Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 80. AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 20. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Part 1. Crop Research Facilities Protection Act

Unlawful Acts

80-20-103. Unlawful acts. (1) A person who does not have the effective consent of the owner may not acquire or otherwise exercise control over a crop research facility, a crop from a crop research facility, or other property from a crop research facility with the intent to deprive the owner of the facility, crop, or property or to damage the enterprise conducted at the crop research facility.

(2) A person who does not have the effective consent of the owner and who purposely or knowingly intends to damage the enterprise conducted at a crop research facility may not:

(a) damage or destroy a crop research facility or a crop or property in or on the premises of a crop research facility;

(b) enter a crop research facility that is at the time closed to the public with the intent to commit an act prohibited by this part;

(c) remain concealed in a crop research facility with the intent to commit an act prohibited by this part;

(d) enter a crop research facility and commit or attempt to commit an act prohibited by this part;

(e) enter a crop research facility to take pictures by photograph, video camera, or other means with the intent to commit an unlawful act; or

(f) enter or remain on the premises of a crop research facility if the person:

(i) had notice that the entry was forbidden; or

(ii) received notice to depart but failed to do so.

(3) The provisions of this part do not apply to lawful activities of a government agency or its employees who are carrying out their duties under law or to lawful activities of a financial institution or other secured party.

History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 441, L. 2001.