HELENA — A bill introduced to the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday would raise the penalties for fentanyl distribution in Montana to anywhere from two to 40 years in prison, and a $50,000 fine or both. Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, is the sponsor of the House Bill 791 and said it is designed to punish those… Read More
Nearly 11,000% increase in fentanyl seizures reported by Montana Attorney General
HELENA, Mont. – A nearly 11,000 percent increase in fentanyl seizures by anti-drug task forces in Montana since 2019 was reported by the Montana Attorney General Friday. In 2019, the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA) task forces seized 1,900 dosage units, and in 2021, they seized 60,577 dosage units. According to Montana… Read More
Bill Seeks to Expand Sexual Assault Response Resources
he Montana House Judiciary Committee on Jan. 11 heard testimony on House Bill 79, a measure proposed by Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell, which would bolster Montana’s sexual assault response network and would increase the availability of sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) training throughout the state. The committee hearing featured testimony from a number of stakeholders,… Read More
Montana DOJ seeks to redefine trafficking laws
Despite a growing tally of law enforcement investigations, no one has ever been convicted under Montana’s human trafficking statute. A bill proposed to state lawmakers on Wednesday would theoretically give prosecutors a better chance to secure those convictions, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen told the House Judiciary Committee. Knudsen, former Republican Speaker of House, said… Read More
New bill looks to strengthen human trafficking laws in Montana
HELENA, Mont. – Montana’s Attorney General is working to strengthen laws around human trafficking this legislative session. AG Austin Knudsen introduced house bill 112, which is a rewrite and revision of current human trafficking statutes in the state. They update the penalties for human traffickers and those soliciting prostitution. “Right now under Montana law, you… Read More
Austin Knudsen: Law enforcement fighting human trafficking, but needs more resources
It’s a horrific reality for Montanans to consider, but human trafficking takes place every day in our state. The odds are most of you have seen it but didn’t know. Last month, a man involved in a sex trafficking ring in Billings was sentenced to nearly 27 years after exploiting vulnerable victims for nearly a… Read More
Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen Announces Senior Staff Appointments
Culbertson, MT – Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen today announced the appointment of several senior level staff. “I look forward to working alongside this talented group of exceptional leaders,” Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen said. “The diverse backgrounds and depth of experience of our leadership team will serve the Department of Justice and the people of Montana… Read More
Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen Announces Department of Justice Division Administrators
Culbertson, MT – Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen today announced the appointment of several division administrators to help lead the Department of Justice. “We have assembled a tremendous group of talented individuals; I am excited to have each one of them on our team,” Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen said. “Working together we will improve efficiencies in… Read More
Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen Announces Pick to Lead Highway Patrol
Culbertson, MT – Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen today announced that Major Steve Lavin will take command as the next Colonel of the Montana Highway Patrol. “Steve has the vision, experience and leadership ability we need to tackle the difficult challenges we face,” Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen said. “His integrity and steadfast devotion to duty will… Read More
Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen Announces Transition Advisory Committee
Culbertson, MT – Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen today announced the members of his Transition Advisory Committee. “I’m excited to have such a great group leading our transition,” Attorney General-Elect Austin Knudsen said. “Our committee represents a broad cross-section of Montanans that will help us put together capable, hardworking team to lead the Department of Justice.”… Read More