This bill aims to revise procedures related to child abuse and neglect proceedings, focusing on enhancing communication and support during these critical processes. It introduces provisions for sharing information with the Office of State Public Defender and mandates prehearing conferences before emergency protective services hearings. Additionally, the bill removes the exception that previously excluded cases subject to the Indian Child Welfare Act from utilizing prehearing conferences and emergency protective services hearings. It also clarifies that a support person may be present during emergency protective services hearings, ensuring that individuals involved have access to necessary emotional and legal support.

The bill includes amendments to several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 41-3-301, 41-3-306, 41-3-307, and 41-3-427, as well as an amendment to Section 8 of Chapter 529, Laws of 2021. Furthermore, it provides appropriations to support the implementation of these changes. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the handling of child abuse and neglect cases by fostering better communication and support systems for all parties involved.

Statutes affected:
HB0016_1.pdf: 41-3-301, 41-3-306, 41-3-307
HB0016_2.pdf: 41-3-301, 41-3-306, 41-3-307
HB0016_3.pdf: 41-3-301, 41-3-306, 41-3-307
HB0016_4.pdf: 41-3-301, 41-3-306, 41-3-307
HB0016_5.pdf: 41-3-301, 41-3-306, 41-3-307
Amended: 41-3-301, 41-3-306, 41-3-307, 41-3-427
Introduced: 41-3-301, 41-3-306, 41-3-307