This bill aims to prohibit the requirement of drug testing as part of a treatment plan in child abuse or neglect proceedings, unless the court determines that substance use has played a role in the child's removal from the home or in the child's continued absence from the home. This change seeks to ensure that drug testing is only mandated when there is a clear connection between substance use and the child's situation, thereby protecting the rights of parents and guardians involved in such proceedings.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 41-3-443 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect this new standard regarding drug testing requirements. By implementing this amendment, the legislation emphasizes a more focused approach to assessing the factors that contribute to child welfare cases, ensuring that interventions are appropriate and justified based on the circumstances of each individual case.

Statutes affected:
SB0150_1.pdf: 41-3-443
SB0150_2.pdf: 41-3-443
Amended: 41-3-443
Introduced: 41-3-443