Senate Bill 464 revises the laws governing the appointment and responsibilities of special advocates in child abuse and neglect cases in Montana. The bill replaces the term "court-appointed special advocate" with "special advocate" and establishes new qualifications for these advocates, including age, commitment, background checks, and training requirements. It also prohibits governmental departments or staff with conflicts of interest from serving as special advocates. The legislation emphasizes the importance of confidentiality, the preparation of court reports, and the advocacy for the child's best interests throughout the judicial process. Additionally, it updates definitions related to child welfare, clarifying terms such as "abandon," "abused or neglected," and "best interests of the child," while also allowing for the removal of advocates who fail to perform their duties.

The bill further enhances the legal framework for child welfare by ensuring that all parties involved in child welfare proceedings have the right to legal counsel, particularly for indigent parents, guardians, or custodians, as well as children and youth. It mandates that the court appoint the office of state public defender to assign counsel, with specific exceptions for putative fathers. The bill also removes references to the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act concerning the appointment of counsel, which may impact eligibility for legal representation under that act. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of "withholding of medically indicated treatment" to exclude certain circumstances, such as when an infant is deemed chronically and irreversibly comatose. Overall, the bill aims to improve the effectiveness and accountability of special advocates while ensuring that all parties in child welfare cases have access to necessary legal support.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_1(1): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_1(2): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_1(3): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_1(4): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_1(5): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_1: 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(1): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(10): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(11): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(12): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(13): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(14): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(15): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(16): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(2): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(3): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(4): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(5): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(6): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(7): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(8): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2(9): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_2: 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3(1): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3(2): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3(3): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3(4): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3(5): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3(6): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3(7): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3(8): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3(9): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_3: 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(1): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(10): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(11): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(12): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(13): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(2): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(3): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(4): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(5): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(6): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(7): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(8): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X(9): 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425
SB0464_X: 41-3-112, 41-3-102, 41-3-425