MT SB374

Violating a gag order is not contempt if the person asserts First Amendment rights and has not intentionally violated another person's right to privacy; criticism of court proceedings asserting the court violated law or the constitution is also not contempt

Contempt fines are capped at $50 per day and $500 total; maximum incarceration for criminal contempt is reduced from 6 months to 30 days

Persons facing incarceration for contempt exceeding 3 days have the right to request a jury trial; fines or incarceration must stop immediately if the contemnor files an affidavit alleging judicial prejudice, bias, or misconduct

Non-attorney laypersons may appear in court with a plaintiff or defendant to advise or provide legal information without being held in contempt, provided they do not falsely claim to be an attorney

Law enforcement officers who disobey an unlawful order are not guilty of contempt; officers found in contempt of a lawful order may be fined but not incarcerated