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House Judiciary: Committee approves five bills in executive action; key roll-call votes on three measures
Summary
In executive action the House Judiciary Committee advanced five bills: HB 173 (youth court definitions) and HB 174 (assault statute changes) passed on roll calls, HB 186 and HB 191 passed by voice, and HB 205 (death-penalty statute) passed after debate. Amendments and close votes drew committee discussion.
The House Judiciary Committee on recorded executive action advanced five bills after debate and amendments.
House Bill 173 — Youth Court definitions Representative Vice Chair Deming moved HB 173 to pass. Ms. Weiss, committee staff, said the bill amends definitions in the Montana Youth Court Act and that the committee had an amendment adding an immediate effective date. The amendment was approved on roll call and the bill, as amended, passed by roll call 12–8.
Why it mattered: Supporters argued the bill clarifies who qualifies as a “victim” under the Youth Court Act; opponents worried the change could expand restitution obligations for youth and their families. Representative Howell urged caution, saying youth court aims at rehabilitation and that civil remedies remain available if private entities seek damages.
House Bill 174 — Assault statute revisions The committee voted to pass HB 174 on a roll-call vote, 12–8. Ms. Weiss described the measure as revising statutes related to assault to…
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