MT SB457

Creates a new criminal offense of "contempt of the legislature" for knowingly failing to appear as a witness, refusing to testify, or failing to produce requested records in response to a legislative subpoena

Establishes penalty as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 12 months in county jail, or both

Allows the legislature to hold contempt votes when not in session through a polling process administered by the Secretary of State, with ballots due within 10 calendar days

Requires a simple majority vote of the relevant chamber (or both chambers for joint committee subpoenas) to adopt a contempt resolution or proclamation, with unreturned ballots counted as votes against

Upon adoption of contempt, the Speaker of the House or President of the Senate certifies the matter to the Attorney General for criminal prosecution; effective July 1, 2025