This bill aims to revise procedural requirements in child abuse and neglect proceedings by establishing stricter guidelines for venue transfers and hearing continuances. It prohibits the transfer of venue outside the county where an abuse and neglect petition was originally filed, with specific exceptions outlined in the bill. Additionally, it restricts the continuance of hearings, allowing them only when "good cause" or "exigent circumstances" are demonstrated.

To enhance clarity, the bill defines the terms "good cause" and "exigent circumstances," ensuring that the criteria for delaying hearings are well understood. Furthermore, it amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) related to these proceedings, reinforcing the intent to streamline the judicial process in cases of child abuse and neglect.

Statutes affected:
SB0184_1.pdf: 41-3-103, 41-3-434
SB0184_3.pdf: 41-3-103, 41-3-434
Introduced: 41-3-103, 41-3-434