Are Autopsy Reports Public in Montana? (2026)
Montana autopsy reports are restricted, released only to next of kin, insurers, or law enforcement after a case closes. How to request one and the fee.
5 min read
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Montana Laws
59 articles
Common Law Marriage in Montana: Is It Recognized? (2026)
Montana recognizes common law marriage under MCA 40-1-403. Learn the 3 requirements (capacity, mutual agreement, public repute), debunk the 7-year myth, and how it ends.
7 min read
How Long Is a Life Sentence in Montana? (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to life sentences in Montana: parole eligibility, LWOP rules, notable cases, recent legislative changes, and sentencing statutes. Updated March 2026.
8 min read
How to Find a Cause of Death in Montana (2026)
In Montana the cause of death appears on the death certificate, which any person can order for $16. Learn where it is recorded and how to request it.
6 min read
How to Get a Montana Death Certificate (2026 Guide)
Get a Montana death certificate for $16 per copy from any County Clerk & Recorder, by mail, or online via VitalChek. Here is who qualifies and how to order.
5 min read
MCDPA Compliance Checklist: Montana Privacy (2026)
MCDPA compliance (Mont. Code Ann. 30-14-2803): applicability at 25,000/15,000 thresholds, notice, opt-in, assessments. Cure period ended April 1, 2026.
10 min read
MCDPA Consumer Rights: Montana Privacy Rights (2026)
Montana's MCDPA (Mont. Code Ann. 30-14-2808) gives access, correction, deletion, portability, and opt-out rights, with a 45-day response window.
9 min read
Montana AI Laws and Regulation (2026)
Guide to Montana AI laws, regulation, and legislation covering deepfakes, employment AI, healthcare AI, and more.
10 min read
Montana AI Meeting Recording Laws (2026)
Montana requires all-party consent for AI meeting recorders. Graduated penalties from misdemeanor to felony for repeat offenses.
11 min read
Montana At-Will Employment Laws: The WDEA Good-Cause Standard
Montana is the only US state that is not at-will. After the probationary period, employers must have good cause to fire under the WDEA (Mont. Code Ann. 39-2-901 to 39-2-915).
8 min read
Montana Audio Recording Laws: All-Party Consent Rules and Penalties (2026)
Montana audio recording laws require all-party knowledge under MCA 45-8-213. Learn the warning exception, graduated penalties, and how to record legally.
11 min read
Montana Background Check Laws (2026 Guide)
Montana background check laws: Ban the Box, lookback periods, Clean Slate, employer and housing checks.
13 min read
Montana Biometric Privacy Laws: Collection, Consent & Penalties (2026)
Montana MCDPA classifies biometric data as sensitive, requiring opt-in consent. AG-only enforcement with penalties up to $7,500 per violation. No private right of action.
10 min read
Montana Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim
Montana is an at-fault state with a 51% comparative negligence bar, 25/50/20 minimum insurance, and a 3-year statute of limitations (MCA 27-2-204).
6 min read
Montana Car Seat Laws: Requirements and Guidelines
Learn about Montana's car seat laws: age and weight requirements, rear-facing rules, booster seat guidelines, and penalties for violations.
5 min read
Montana Child Custody Laws (2026): Parenting Plans, Best Interests, and Your Rights
Montana resolves custody through a parenting plan under MCA 40-4-212. Learn the 13 best-interests factors, relocation notice rules, and how to modify a plan.
6 min read
Montana Child Support Laws (2026): Guidelines & Calculator
Montana uses the Modified Melson Formula for child support under ARM 37.62. Learn how the three-stage calculation works, 2026 allowance amounts, and enforcement.
13 min read
Montana Dashcam Laws: Recording Rules, Audio Consent, and Windshield Mounting (2026)
Montana dashcam laws allow video recording on public roads, but audio from hidden devices requires all-party knowledge under MCA 45-8-213. Learn mounting rules and penalties.
9 min read
Montana Data Breach Notification Laws: Reporting Rules & Timelines (2026)
Montana requires data breach notification without unreasonable delay under Mont. Code 30-14-1704. Learn who must be notified, protected data types, AG reporting rules, and penalties.
8 min read
Montana Data Privacy Laws: MCDPA Consumer Rights Guide (2026)
Montana Consumer Data Privacy Act (MCDPA) explained. Learn your rights to access, delete, and opt out of data sales under Mont. Code Ann. 30-14-2801, plus breach notification rules.
17 min read
Montana Death Records: Are They Public + How to Get Them
Montana is an open-record state: anyone can get a certified death certificate for $16, with no waiting period. See who can request and how to order.
7 min read
Montana Deepfake Laws: AI Images, Voice Cloning & Penalties (2026)
Montana has among the most comprehensive deepfake laws in the US. Learn about HB 514 (NCII criminal), SB 25 (election disclosure), HB 513 (voice/likeness rights), and federal TAKE IT DOWN Act protections.
9 min read
Montana Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Montana defamation laws: the two-year statute of limitations (MCA 27-2-204), statutory libel and slander definitions, and the 2025 UPEPA anti-SLAPP law.
8 min read
Montana Divorce Laws (2026): Grounds, Residency, and Process
Montana divorce laws explained: no-fault only (irretrievable breakdown), 90-day residency, 21-day wait after service, no mandatory separation, equitable distribution.
7 min read
Montana Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights
Learn Montana dog bite laws: strict liability in cities under MCA 27-1-715, negligence rules in rural areas, 3-year filing deadline, and victim rights.
10 min read
Montana Emancipation Laws: How Limited Emancipation Works in Montana (2026)
Montana grants only limited emancipation under Mont. Code Ann. 41-1-501 to 41-1-503. Learn the age-16 minimum, what the petition must show, which adult rights the court can specify, and how emancipation affects child support and FAFSA.
9 min read
Montana Expungement Laws: Misdemeanor Eligibility, Process, and Limits (2026)
Montana allows misdemeanor expungement under Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-1101 et seq. Learn eligibility, the 5-year waiting period, excluded offenses, and the court filing process.
7 min read
Montana GPS Tracking Laws: Is It Legal to Put a Tracker on a Car? (2026)
Is it legal to put a GPS tracker on a car in Montana? MCA 45-5-220 names GPS devices in the stalking law. Penalties, AirTag rules, and your privacy rights.
10 min read
Montana Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Understand Montana's hit and run laws: legal obligations after an accident, penalties for leaving the scene, and steps to protect your rights.
7 min read
Montana Landlord-Tenant Laws (2026): Deposits, Notice, and Tenant Rights
Montana has no deposit cap; return deadline is 10 days (no deductions) or 30 days. Landlords must give 24 hours' notice to enter. Repair-and-deduct available.
5 min read
Montana Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Camera Rules, Privacy Rights, and Disputes (2026)
Montana landlord-tenant recording laws cover security cameras, hidden cameras in rentals, and tenant privacy rights under MCA 45-5-223 and MCA 45-8-213.
8 min read
Montana Laws on Recording in Public: First Amendment Rights and Limitations (2026)
Montana public recording laws protect your right to record in public spaces. Learn when audio triggers MCA 45-8-213, public meeting rules, and your rights.
8 min read
Montana Laws on Recording Police: Your Rights and Legal Protections (2026)
Montana law explicitly permits recording police officers performing official duties without consent or warning under MCA 45-8-213(2)(a). Learn your rights.
11 min read
Montana Lemon Law (2026): How to Qualify & Get a Refund
Montana's lemon law covers new vehicles under 2 years/18,000 miles. Learn the 4-repair-attempt rule, 30-day threshold, usage deduction formula, and how to file.
13 min read
Montana Maintenance (Alimony) Laws: How It Works (2026)
Montana calls spousal support "maintenance." Learn how courts apply the two-part threshold test and six statutory factors under MCA 40-4-203 to decide if: and how much: maintenance is awarded.
9 min read
Montana Medical Recording Laws: Patient Rights, HIPAA, and Consent Rules (2026)
Montana medical recording laws require all-party knowledge for hidden devices under MCA 45-8-213. Learn patient rights, the warning exception, HIPAA rules, and telehealth recording.
9 min read
Montana Medical Records Retention Laws (2026 Guide)
Montana medical records retention laws: how long hospitals and doctors keep your records, HIPAA rules, and patient rights.
11 min read
Montana Phone Call Recording Laws: Warning Rules, Interstate Calls, and Penalties (2026)
Montana phone call recording laws require a warning before recording under MCA 45-8-213. Learn the rules for personal calls, business calls, and interstate calls.
9 min read
Montana Power of Attorney Laws: Durable, Medical, and Financial POA (2026)
Montana adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (Mont. Code Ann. 72-31-301 to 72-31-367). A financial POA is durable by default and requires notarization; no witnesses needed. Health care decisions use a separate declaration under Mont. Code Ann. 50-9-103.
8 min read
Montana Recording Laws (2026): Announcement Exception and Penalties
Montana requires all parties know a conversation is being recorded. Any party can satisfy MCA 45-8-213 by announcing audibly. Penalties, exceptions, and 2025 changes explained.
10 min read
Montana Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get an Order of Protection
Learn how to get a Montana Order of Protection: who qualifies, how long it lasts (fixed period or permanent), how to file for free, and the 2023 HB 330 firearm rules.
6 min read
Montana Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
Montana is an all-party consent state with constitutional privacy rights. Learn how MCA 45-8-213 affects Ring doorbell audio, penalties, HOA rules, and more.
10 min read
Montana School Recording Laws: Student Privacy, FERPA, and Classroom Rules (2026)
Montana school recording laws require all-party knowledge for hidden devices under MCA 45-8-213. Learn FERPA protections, the warning exception, and student privacy rules.
9 min read
Montana Security Camera Laws: Home, Business, and Surveillance Rules (2026)
Montana security camera laws for homes and businesses. Learn placement rules, audio restrictions under MCA 45-8-213, and privacy limits under MCA 45-5-223.
8 min read
Montana Self-Defense Laws: Stand Your Ground & Castle Doctrine (2026)
Montana self-defense laws explained: stand your ground (MCA 45-3-110), castle doctrine (MCA 45-3-103), and when deadly force is justified (MCA 45-3-102). Updated 2026.
9 min read
Montana Sexting Laws: Legal Consequences and Penalties
Montana sexting laws carry severe felony penalties for minors and adults under MCA § 45-5-625. Learn about charges, penalties, revenge porn law, and defenses.
10 min read
Montana Slip and Fall Laws: Proving Premises Liability
Montana slip and fall law: uniform duty of care, no open-and-obvious bar, no natural-accumulation rule, 3-year SOL, 51% comparative fault bar. Key rules explained.
7 min read
Montana Smart Glasses Recording Laws (MCA 45-8-213)
Montana requires all parties to have knowledge of audio recordings under MCA 45-8-213. An audible announcement satisfies the notice rule. Learn the full smart glasses law.
10 min read
Montana Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026)
Montana requires 5 years of continuous possession plus payment of all property taxes to claim adverse possession under Mont. Code Ann. § 70-19-411. Learn how the law works and how owners can remove squatters.
6 min read
Montana Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Montana statute of limitations for civil and criminal cases. Filing deadlines for personal injury, contracts, fraud, property damage, felonies, and misdemeanors.
9 min read
Montana Surveillance Camera Laws (2026 Guide)
Montana surveillance camera laws: home security, workplace cameras, neighbor disputes, audio recording rules.
14 min read
Montana Video Recording Laws: Consent Rules, Surveillance, and Penalties (2026)
Montana video recording laws cover hidden cameras, surveillance, and audio capture under MCA 45-8-213 and MCA 45-5-223. Learn what is legal and the penalties.
8 min read
Montana Voyeurism Laws: Hidden Cameras, Peeping, and Penalties (2026)
Montana voyeurism laws under MCA 45-5-223 criminalize secret filming in private settings. Learn about hidden camera laws, penalties, and the 2025 deepfake amendment.
9 min read
Montana Whistleblower Laws: Protections and How to Report
Learn about Montana whistleblower laws including the WDEA, False Claims Act, and securities whistleblower protections. Filing deadlines, remedies, and how to report.
11 min read
Montana Window Tint Laws (2026): Legal VLT Limits
Montana window tint law: 24% VLT on front windows, 14% on sedan rear windows, no limit for SUVs/vans. Learn rules, medical exemptions, and penalties.
6 min read
Montana Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)
Montana windshield mounting laws: restrictions, penalties, and exemptions. Complete guide.
9 min read
Montana Workers' Compensation Laws: Benefits, Deadlines, and Your Rights
Montana workers' comp covers every employer with 1+ employees. Learn the 1-year claim deadline, 4-day waiting period, 66 2/3% wage rate, and doctor-choice rules.
7 min read
Montana Workplace Recording Laws: Employee Rights, Employer Monitoring, and the WDEA (2026)
Montana workplace recording laws under MCA 45-8-213 and the WDEA. Learn employee recording rights, employer monitoring rules, and why Montana is unique.
9 min read
What Is the MCDPA? Montana Data Privacy Law (2026)
The Montana Consumer Data Privacy Act (Mont. Code Ann. 30-14-2801) took effect Oct 1, 2024 and now carries the nation's lowest thresholds: 25,000/15,000.
9 min read