Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 44. LAW ENFORCEMENT

CHAPTER 5. CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION

Part 2. Collection and Processing

Inspection Or Transfer Of Criminal History Records

44-5-214. Inspection or transfer of criminal history records. (1) An individual or the individual's agent may inspect any criminal history record information maintained about the individual or transfer copies of that information to any other person upon the presentation of satisfactory identification to the criminal justice agency maintaining the criminal history record information. Fingerprints may be required for identification. An agent must also submit a notarized authorization from the agent's principal or an authorization order from a district court.

(2) If an individual's criminal history record information is maintained in the state repository, copies of the records shall be transferred to the local agency for inspection upon proper request of the individual or the individual's agent. A local agency shall honor a verified affidavit accompanying a request by an individual for a transfer of copies of criminal history record information concerning that individual to a criminal justice agency of another state for the purpose of complying with this chapter.

(3) (a) An individual may request inspection or transfer of copies, or both, of criminal history record information only during normal working hours.

(b) Copies of records may be made by or at the request of a properly identified individual or the individual's authorized agent. If a machine for making copies is not reasonably available, the individual or the individual's agent may make handwritten copies. A charge may be made by the agency for the cost of supplying the copies. Each copy must be clearly marked to indicate that it is for inspection only.

(c) An agency employee should be available to answer questions concerning record content. A record of each request to inspect records under this section must be maintained.

History: En. Sec. 19, Ch. 525, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 603, L. 1993.