Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 23. PARKS, RECREATION, SPORTS, AND GAMBLING

CHAPTER 1. PARKS

Part 1. State Parks

Rules -- Penalties -- Enforcement

23-1-106. Rules -- penalties -- enforcement. (1) The department and the board may make rules governing the use, occupancy, and protection of the property under their control.

(2) A person who violates subsection (3) or a rule established pursuant to this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than 6 months.

(3) A person may not refuse to exhibit for inspection any park permit, proof of age, or proof of residency upon request by a fish and game warden, park ranger, or peace officer.

(4) The department shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and rules implementing this chapter. The director shall employ all necessary and qualified personnel for enforcement purposes.

(5) The department is a criminal justice agency for the purpose of obtaining the technical assistance and support services provided by the board of crime control under the provisions of 44-7-101. Authorized officers of the department are granted peace officer status with the power:

(a) of search, seizure, and arrest;

(b) to investigate activities in this state regulated by this chapter and rules of the department and the board; and

(c) to report violations to the county attorney of the county in which they occur.

History: (1)En. Sec. 6, Ch. 48, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 2, L. 1977; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 417, L. 1977; Sec. 62-306, R.C.M. 1947; (2)En. Sec. 3, Ch. 111, L. 1929; re-en. Sec. 1842.3, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 178, L. 1953; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 69, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 2, L. 1977; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 417, L. 1977; Sec. 62-314, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 62-306, 62-314; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 662, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 121, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 235, L. 2013.