Bill allows past crimes in sex-offense trials.
The
House overwhelmingly endorsed a bill Saturday that would
allow sex offenders’ past sexual crimes to be introduced
as evidence in court.
In most cases, previous crimes are not admissible
because they could prejudice a jury’s ruling about
whether the defendant is guilty of the current crime.
House Bill 295 would allow Montana courts to make an
exception to that rule when it comes to sex offenders
and child molesters
Rep. Mike Menahan, D-Helena, the bill’s sponsor, told
his fellow lawmakers Saturday that not allowing past
sexual crimes to be entered as evidence leads to “absurd
results” in sex-offender trials. Given the high rates of
recidivism associated with sexual offenses, he said,
past abuses are especially relevant.
“If we don’t stand up for the victims of violent crime,
who will?” Menahan asked.
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Bill would allow some 17-year-olds
to vote
HELENA – Lawmakers heard a bill Monday that would allow
17-year-olds to vote in primary elections so long as
they turn 18 by the general election.
House Bill 277 was described
as a “kitchen table” bill by its sponsor,
Rep. Mike Menahan,
D-Helena (pictured), because the idea came to him during
as a debate 14- and 16-year-old daughters were having at
home.
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At least
two state legislators are trying to extend the maximum
penalty for felony drunken driving, but both say their
efforts have more to do with getting people treatment than
dropping the hammer on offenders.
Helena Democrat Mike Menahan enters the
session with a number of proposed changes to criminal law
his background as a Lewis and Clark County prosecutor has
funneled many of the requests for such bills his way but
he’s looking at other legislation, and has proposed a
significant shift in state water policy. He asking
legislators to remove the exemption allowing
35-gallon-per-minute wells in closed basins in Montana’s
most populated counties.
