{ "batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c1", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: anchor", "summary": "The Montana age-verification law sits in MCA Title 30 (Trade and Commerce), Chapter 14 \"Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection\", Part 1 (Consumer Protection Act).", "body": "The Montana age-verification law sits in MCA Title 30 (Trade and Commerce), Chapter 14 \"Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection\", Part 1 (Consumer Protection Act).\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated) actually says:\n\n“CHAPTER 14. UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION - Table of Contents, Title 30, MCA”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/parts_index.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated)", "evidence_quote": "CHAPTER 14. UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION - Table of Contents, Title 30, MCA", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "anchor", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c2", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: code section", "summary": "The age-verification statute is MCA 30-14-159, \"Publishing and distribution of material harmful to minors -- age verification\".", "body": "The age-verification statute is MCA 30-14-159, \"Publishing and distribution of material harmful to minors -- age verification\".\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated) actually says:\n\n“30-14-159 Publishing and distribution of material harmful to minors -- age verification -- requirements -- penalties -- exceptions -- reporting -- definitions”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/sections_index.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated)", "evidence_quote": "30-14-159 Publishing and distribution of material harmful to minors -- age verification -- requirements -- penalties -- exceptions -- reporting -- definitions", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "code section", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c3", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: covered entities (operative clause)", "summary": "MCA 30-14-159(1) binds a commercial entity that knowingly and intentionally publishes or distributes material harmful to minors from a website containing a substantial portion of such material.", "body": "MCA 30-14-159(1) binds a commercial entity that knowingly and intentionally publishes or distributes material harmful to minors from a website containing a substantial portion of such material.\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated) actually says:\n\n“(1) A commercial entity that knowingly and intentionally publishes or distributes material harmful to minors on the internet from a website that contains a substantial portion of the material must be held liable if the entity fails to perform reasonable age verification methods”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/section_0590/0300-0140-0010-0590.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated)", "evidence_quote": "(1) A commercial entity that knowingly and intentionally publishes or distributes material harmful to minors on the internet from a website that contains a substantial portion of the material must be held liable if the entity fails to perform reasonable age verification methods", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "covered entities (operative clause)", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c4", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: commercial entity includes sole proprietors", "summary": "\"Commercial entity\" under MCA 30-14-159(7)(a) expressly includes sole proprietorships and LLCs.", "body": "\"Commercial entity\" under MCA 30-14-159(7)(a) expressly includes sole proprietorships and LLCs.\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated) actually says:\n\n“(a) \"Commercial entity\" includes corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, limited partnerships, sole proprietorships, or other legally recognized entities.”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/section_0590/0300-0140-0010-0590.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated)", "evidence_quote": "(a) \"Commercial entity\" includes corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, limited partnerships, sole proprietorships, or other legally recognized entities.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "commercial entity includes sole proprietors", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c5", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: substantial portion threshold", "summary": "\"Substantial portion\" means more than 33 1/3% of total material on the website.", "body": "\"Substantial portion\" means more than 33 1/3% of total material on the website.\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated) actually says:\n\n“(i) \"Substantial portion\" means more than 33 1/3% of total material on a website, which meets the definition of \"material harmful to minors\" as defined by this section.”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/section_0590/0300-0140-0010-0590.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated)", "evidence_quote": "(i) \"Substantial portion\" means more than 33 1/3% of total material on a website, which meets the definition of \"material harmful to minors\" as defined by this section.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "substantial portion threshold", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c6", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: accepted verification methods", "summary": "Accepted methods are a digitized identification card, or a commercial age verification system using government-issued ID or commercially reasonable transactional-data methods.", "body": "Accepted methods are a digitized identification card, or a commercial age verification system using government-issued ID or commercially reasonable transactional-data methods.\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated) actually says:\n\n“(ii) requiring the person attempting to access the material to comply with a commercial age verification system that verifies in one or more of the following ways:”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/section_0590/0300-0140-0010-0590.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated)", "evidence_quote": "(ii) requiring the person attempting to access the material to comply with a commercial age verification system that verifies in one or more of the following ways:", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "accepted verification methods", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c7", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: data retention duty", "summary": "MCA 30-14-159(2) bars the entity or third-party verifier from retaining any identifying information after access is granted.", "body": "MCA 30-14-159(2) bars the entity or third-party verifier from retaining any identifying information after access is granted.\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated) actually says:\n\n“(2) A commercial entity or third party that performs the required age verification may not retain any identifying information of the individual after access has been granted to the material.”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/section_0590/0300-0140-0010-0590.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated)", "evidence_quote": "(2) A commercial entity or third party that performs the required age verification may not retain any identifying information of the individual after access has been granted to the material.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "data retention duty", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c8", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: enforcement route / penalty", "summary": "Enforcement is only by private individuals suing for damages (court costs and attorney fees available); there is no criminal fine or AG enforcement in the text.", "body": "Enforcement is only by private individuals suing for damages (court costs and attorney fees available); there is no criminal fine or AG enforcement in the text.\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated) actually says:\n\n“(6) This section may only be enforced by individuals claiming damages pursuant to subsection (3).”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/section_0590/0300-0140-0010-0590.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated)", "evidence_quote": "(6) This section may only be enforced by individuals claiming damages pursuant to subsection (3).", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "enforcement route / penalty", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c9", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: what changed since earlier batch", "summary": "The MCA 2025 history line shows the section, enacted by Ch. 700, L. 2023, was amended by Ch. 199, L. 2025.", "body": "The MCA 2025 history line shows the section, enacted by Ch. 700, L. 2023, was amended by Ch. 199, L. 2025.\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated) actually says:\n\n“History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 700, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 199, L. 2025.”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/section_0590/0300-0140-0010-0590.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated)", "evidence_quote": "History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 700, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 199, L. 2025.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "what changed since earlier batch", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_c10", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: effective date", "summary": "The enacting bill, SB 544 (2023), states the act is effective January 1, 2024.", "body": "The enacting bill, SB 544 (2023), states the act is effective January 1, 2024.\n\nWhat Montana Legislature (2023 bill text, SB 544) actually says:\n\n“[This act] is effective January 1, 2024.”\n\nNote: Claude session research 2026-10-23 (web search + fetch of the official page); quote re-checked by the verify gate", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/2023/billhtml/SB0544.htm", "last_verified": "2026-10-23", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana Legislature (2023 bill text, SB 544)", "evidence_quote": "[This act] is effective January 1, 2024.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "effective date", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "MT", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_q1", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: court order enjoining the law", "summary": "The Montana Code Annotated includes section 30-14-131 which addresses court orders for restoration.", "body": "The Montana Code Annotated includes section 30-14-131 which addresses court orders for restoration.\n\nWhat Montana (official) actually says:\n\n“30-14-131 Restoration -- court orders”\n\nNote: Quinn (local boss on MCG): full page read, quote checked word-for-word on the page by the program", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/sections_index.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana (official)", "evidence_quote": "30-14-131 Restoration -- court orders", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "court order enjoining the law", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "Montana", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_q2", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: court order enjoining the law", "summary": "The Montana Code Annotated includes section 30-14-132 which defines the powers of a receiver and jurisdiction.", "body": "The Montana Code Annotated includes section 30-14-132 which defines the powers of a receiver and jurisdiction.\n\nWhat Montana (official) actually says:\n\n“30-14-132 Powers of receiver -- proof of damages -- jurisdiction”\n\nNote: Quinn (local boss on MCG): full page read, quote checked word-for-word on the page by the program", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/sections_index.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana (official)", "evidence_quote": "30-14-132 Powers of receiver -- proof of damages -- jurisdiction", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "court order enjoining the law", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "Montana", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r681_montana_age_verification_laws_montana_681_q3", "category": "Safety", "title": "Montana: attorney general consumer alert page", "summary": "The Montana Attorney General's consumer alert page is not available on the provided source.", "body": "The Montana Attorney General's consumer alert page is not available on the provided source.\n\nWhat Montana (official) actually says:\n\n“Part 1. Consumer Protection Act - Table of Contents, Title 30, Chapter 14, MCA MCA Contents TITLE 30 CHAPTER 14 Part 1 Montana Code Annotated 2025 TITLE 30. TRADE AND COMMERCE CHAPTER 14. UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Part 1. Consumer Protection Act 30-14-101 Short title 30-14-102 Definitions 30-14-103 Unlawful practices 30-14-104 Federal interpretation -- rules determining unfair competition and deception 30-14-105 Exemptions 30-14-106 and 30-14-107 reserved 30-14-108 Termination of gift certificate prohibited -- fee limitation -- redemption -- posting required 30-14-109 Termination of travel credit prohibited -- fee limitation -- redemption 30-14-110 reserved 30-14-111 Department to restrain unlawful acts 30-14-112 Assurance of compliance 30-14-113 Investigative demand 30-14-114 Department authority 30-14-115 Service of process -- how made 30-14-116 through 30-14-120 reserved 30-14-121 Duties of county attorney 30-14-122 Employment of investigator by county attorney 30-14-123 through 30-14-130 reserved 30-14-131 Restoration -- court orders 30-14-132 Powers of receiver -- proof of damages -- jurisdiction 30-14-133 Damages -- limitation on residential construction disputes -- notice to public agencies -- attorney fees -- prior judgment as evidence 30-14-134 Enforcement of department orders -- contempt 30-14-135 Statute of limitations 30-14-136 through 30-14-140 reserved 30-14-141 Dissolution or forfeiture of corporate franchise 30-14-142 Penalties 30-14-143 Disposition of civil fines, settlement proceeds, amounts awarded in judgments, costs, and fees 30-14-144 Additional penalty for unfair or deceptive act committed against vulnerable adult 30-14-145 through 30-14-150 reserved 30-14-151 Renumbered 30-14-2201 30-14-152 Renumbered 30-14-2202 30-14-153 Renumbered 30-14-2203 30-14-154 Renumbered 30-14-2204 30-14-155 Renumbered 30-14-2205 30-14-156 Renumbered 30-14-2206 30-14-157 Renumbered 30-14-2207 30-14-158 Prohibition against tiktok -- penalty -- enforcement -- definitions 30-14-159 Publishing and distribution of material harmful to minors -- age verification -- requirements -- penalties -- exceptions -- reporting -- definitions 30-14-160 Firearms code 30-14-161 through 30-14-164 reserved 30-14-165 Definitions 30-14-166 Solar buyer's right to cancel -- prohibition of deceptive statements Disclaimer: The Internet version of the Montana Code Annotated is provided as a research tool to users of the Code. In case of inconsistencies resulting from omissions or other errors, the printed version will prevail.”\n\nNote: Quinn (local boss on MCG): full page read, quote checked word-for-word on the page by the program", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/sections_index.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-24", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Montana (official)", "evidence_quote": "Part 1. Consumer Protection Act - Table of Contents, Title 30, Chapter 14, MCA MCA Contents TITLE 30 CHAPTER 14 Part 1 Montana Code Annotated 2025 TITLE 30. TRADE AND COMMERCE CHAPTER 14. UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Part 1. Consumer Protection Act 30-14-101 Short title 30-14-102 Definitions 30-14-103 Unlawful practices 30-14-104 Federal interpretation -- rules determining unfair competition and deception 30-14-105 Exemptions 30-14-106 and 30-14-107 reserved 30-14-108 Termination of gift certificate prohibited -- fee limitation -- redemption -- posting required 30-14-109 Termination of travel credit prohibited -- fee limitation -- redemption 30-14-110 reserved 30-14-111 Department to restrain unlawful acts 30-14-112 Assurance of compliance 30-14-113 Investigative demand 30-14-114 Department authority 30-14-115 Service of process -- how made 30-14-116 through 30-14-120 reserved 30-14-121 Duties of county attorney 30-14-122 Employment of investigator by county attorney 30-14-123 through 30-14-130 reserved 30-14-131 Restoration -- court orders 30-14-132 Powers of receiver -- proof of damages -- jurisdiction 30-14-133 Damages -- limitation on residential construction disputes -- notice to public agencies -- attorney fees -- prior judgment as evidence 30-14-134 Enforcement of department orders -- contempt 30-14-135 Statute of limitations 30-14-136 through 30-14-140 reserved 30-14-141 Dissolution or forfeiture of corporate franchise 30-14-142 Penalties 30-14-143 Disposition of civil fines, settlement proceeds, amounts awarded in judgments, costs, and fees 30-14-144 Additional penalty for unfair or deceptive act committed against vulnerable adult 30-14-145 through 30-14-150 reserved 30-14-151 Renumbered 30-14-2201 30-14-152 Renumbered 30-14-2202 30-14-153 Renumbered 30-14-2203 30-14-154 Renumbered 30-14-2204 30-14-155 Renumbered 30-14-2205 30-14-156 Renumbered 30-14-2206 30-14-157 Renumbered 30-14-2207 30-14-158 Prohibition against tiktok -- penalty -- enforcement -- definitions 30-14-159 Publishing and distribution of material harmful to minors -- age verification -- requirements -- penalties -- exceptions -- reporting -- definitions 30-14-160 Firearms code 30-14-161 through 30-14-164 reserved 30-14-165 Definitions 30-14-166 Solar buyer's right to cancel -- prohibition of deceptive statements Disclaimer: The Internet version of the Montana Code Annotated is provided as a research tool to users of the Code. In case of inconsistencies resulting from omissions or other errors, the printed version will prevail.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "681-montana-age-verification-laws", "subject": "Montana", "topic": "attorney general consumer alert page", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "Montana", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us-mt" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } } ] }