HB 178 (2025) — Limiting government use of artificial intelligence systems (Chapter 427, Laws of 2025)

Summary

Bars Montana state and local government entities and state officers from using AI systems for cognitive behavioral manipulation, for classifying people in ways that cause unlawful discrimination or disparate impact, for malicious purposes, or for surveillance of public spaces (with exceptions such as locating a missing or wanted person). Government entities must make certain disclosures about AI use, and an AI recommendation or decision that could affect a person's rights must be reviewable, and open to rejection or modification, by a trained human in a responsible position. Codified at MCA 2-21-101 to 2-21-104.

Key dates

1. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
2. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. Apr 25 Transmitted to Governor May 5 Signed by Governor May 8 Chapter Number Assigned

   Supports: Signing date and chapter assignment date

   House Bill 178: Limit government use of AI systems (2025 Capitol Tracker) Montana Free Press Reporting or analysis

2. 2-21-102 . Prohibited use of artificial intelligence by government entity. A government entity or state officer may not use an artificial intelligence system:

   Supports: Prohibited uses

   History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 427, L. 2025.

   Supports: Enacted as Chapter 427, Laws of 2025

   MCA 2-21-102 (history note) Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated 2025) Primary source

3. the recommendation or decision must be reviewed and is subject to rejection or modification by a human in an appropriate responsible position

   Supports: Human review requirement

   MCA 2-21-104: Required review Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated 2025) Primary source