Valley Neighbors v. Montana

(Filed: Sept. 30, 2025)

On September 30th 2025, Plaintiff Valley Neighbors of the Flathead filed suit challenging House Bill 278 (“HB 278”) for violating the Montana Constitution.

Passed during the 2025 legislative session, HB 278 plainly violates Article II, Sections 10 and 11 of the Montana Constitution because it authorizes Montana officers to conduct and investigate detentions for immigration purposes based on the lesser “reasonable suspicion” standard rather than the Montana-specific “particularized suspicion” standard.

Valley Neighbors seeks a declaration that HB 278 is unconstitutional and a permanent injunction to prevent its enforcement.