This bill revises existing laws concerning the deadlines for hearings following the emergency removal and protective placement of a child. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically Sections 41-3-301, 41-3-307, and 41-3-432. Key changes include modifying the notification timeline for emergency protective services hearings from 5 days to working days, and adjusting the deadline for a show cause hearing from 20 21 days to align with the new working days standard. The bill also mandates that prehearing conferences occur within 5 working days of a child's removal. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of timely hearings to ensure the welfare of children who have been removed from their homes. It outlines the rights of parents and guardians during these proceedings, including their right to legal representation and participation in hearings. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, and the bill includes a provision for notifying tribal governments in Montana about the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_1(1): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_1(2): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_1(3): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_1(4): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_1(5): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_1(6): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_1: 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_2: 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(1): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(10): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(2): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(3): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(4): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(5): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(6): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(7): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(8): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X(9): 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432
SB0017_X: 41-3-301, 41-3-307, 41-3-432