The text "Priority Issue Area: Decriminalizing Poverty" on top of a photo of hands

Across Montana the criminalization of poverty has become more and more common. With bills focused on extreme punishment for activities related to surviving while experiencing poverty already the ACLU of Montana is fully prepared to combat any bill attempting to further disparage low-income Montanans. The ACLU of Montana also plans to support bills that help create a path to decriminalization of poverty.

During the 2025 Montana legislative session, we tracked the following legislation that could harm low-income Montanans:

The word OPPOSE written in white letters on a red background
SB 19, HB 578, and HB 642 all unfairly target unhoused people, while doing nothing to address Montana's housing crisis. Unfortunately, these bills passed in both the House and the Senate and have been signed into law by Governor Gianforte. ACLU of Montana OPPOSED these bills.

The word OPPOSE written in white letters on a red background
SB 101, a bill crimanlizing being unhoused, punishing unhoused people for surviving, while doing nothing to address Montana’s housing crisis. Unfortunately, this bill did pass in both the House and the Senate and has been signed into law by Governor Gianforte. ACLU of Montana OPPOSED this bill.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to learn how to speak with your legislator, including how to contact them online or virtually attend a committee hearing.