In one paragraph
HB 178 (Chapter 427 of 2025) limits government AI use. State and local government entities and state officers may not use an AI system for cognitive behavioral manipulation, to classify people in ways that cause unlawful discrimination or disparate impact, for a malicious purpose, or to surveil public spaces except to find a missing, endangered or wanted person or as the facial surveillance law allows. AI-produced material published without review by a trained human must be labeled, and public-facing AI interfaces disclosed. Any AI recommendation or decision that could affect a person's rights must be reviewed by a responsible human who can reject or modify it. Effective October 1, 2025.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Vendors selling AI tools to Montana agencies and local governments must support labeling, disclosure and human review of outputs.
Key provisions
- Prohibits government entities and state officers from using AI systems for cognitive behavioral manipulation, discriminatory classification, malicious purposes, or surveillance of public spaces (except to locate missing, endangered or wanted persons or under Title 44, chapter 15, part 1)
- Material produced by an AI system and published without review by a human in an appropriate responsible position must carry a disclosure that AI produced it
- Use of an AI system in a public-facing interface must be disclosed
- Peace officers investigating crimes are exempt from disclosure where it would endanger safety or seriously jeopardize an investigation
- AI recommendations or decisions that could affect a person's rights, duties, privileges or immunities must be reviewed, and may be rejected or modified, by a trained state officer or public employee
- Effective October 1, 2025
Latest legislative action
May 5, 2025. Signed by Governor; Chapter 427
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Braxton Mitchell R | Sponsor | HD-003 |
Roll call votes (showing 3 of 8)
H (H) 2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred Apr 11, 2025
100 yea0 nayPassed
H (H) 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate Apr 11, 2025
96 yea3 nay1 otherPassed
S (S) 3rd Reading Concurred Mar 27, 2025
50 yea0 nayPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error