4/20/05-A bill that would have prohibited law-enforcement officers from running routine traffic checks in unmarked cars has died.
The Senate Judiciary Committee tabled the bill, effectively killing it for the year. It previously passed the House.
HB368, sponsored by Rep. Scott Mendenhall, R-Whitehall, excluded vehicles used by detectives and undercover agents.

3/28/05-The House voted 73-27 on March 21 to prohibit law-enforcement officers from using unmarked cruisers to covertly monitor and enforce traffic laws.
HB368, sponsored by Rep. Scott Mendenhall, R-Whitehall, excludes vehicles used by detectives and undercover agents, comes about a year after the Highway Patrol revived the use of unmarked cars for the first time in 30 years.
Mendenhall’s bill would cost Montana about $32,000 to repaint unmarked state patrol cars.
It has been sent to the Senate for further consideration. For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.

2/25/05-The House tentatively approved a measure Feb. 23 to prohibit law enforcement officers from using unmarked cruisers to covertly monitor and enforce traffic laws. The bill excludes vehicles used by detectives and undercover agents.
HB368, sponsored by Rep. Scott Mendenhall, R-Whitehall, must survive a final vote before heading to the Senate for consideration.
A provision in the original version of the bill to forbid use of hidden or automated cameras to catch misbehaving motorists, unless signs are posted to warn drivers, was dropped.
Mendenhall’s bill would cost Montana about $32,000 to repaint unmarked state patrol cars.
For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.