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Committee concurs in bill requiring prosecutors to notify AG when noncitizens are not prosecuted
Summary
Representative Kayla Hinkle brought House Bill 214 to the Senate Judiciary Committee to codify that the state may prosecute noncitizens who commit state crimes and to require county prosecutors to notify the attorney general if they decline to prosecute. The committee voted by voice to concur in the bill.
Representative Kayla Hinkle introduced House Bill 214, saying the bill would codify that the state may prosecute noncitizens who commit state crimes and would require county prosecutors to notify the attorney general when they decline to prosecute an alleged noncitizen offender. Hinkle described the measure as closing so-called “catch and release” gaps and said it would ensure consistent accountability for crimes committed in Montana.
A citizen proponent, Ed Halla[n] (testifying on his own behalf), urged passage, saying the bill is “common sense” and would help make the state safer. No opponents or informational witnesses appeared in committee testimony on the record.
The committee moved directly to executive action. The chair called for a voice vote on a motion that the committee “concur in” House Bill 214. Members voted by voice; the chair announced the motion passed and that House Bill 214 had been concurred in. Senator Mansella volunteered to carry the bill on the Senate floor.
Ending: House Bill 214 was concurred in by the Senate Judiciary Committee and assigned to a senator to run on the floor.
