Montana bill would increase penalties for school threats

(The Center Square) – A Montana lawmaker wants to increase criminal penalties for anyone convicted of making a threat against a school or student.

State Rep. Wendy McKamey, R-Ulm, filed House Bill 377, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years for an offender.

“A person who purposely or knowingly makes a credible threat … of violence, which if carried out would result in death or serious bodily injury … and has taken an action in furtherance of the threat, including but not limited to bringing a weapon … to a school, commits the offense of issuing a credible threat of violence in a school setting,” the bill says.

“A person convicted of issuing a credible threat of violence in a school setting shall be imprisoned in a state prison for a term not to exceed 10 years or be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000, or both,” it continues.

The House Judiciary Committee heard debate on the bill Monday.

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