Senate Bill 464 revises the laws governing the appointment and responsibilities of special advocates in child abuse and neglect proceedings in Montana. The bill introduces a definition for "special advocate" as a trained volunteer who advocates for the best interests of a child or sibling group within the child welfare system. It amends Section 41-3-112 to replace "court-appointed special advocate" with "special advocate" and establishes new qualifications for these advocates, including age, commitment, background checks, and training requirements. The bill also specifies that governmental departments or staff with conflicts of interest cannot serve as special advocates and outlines their responsibilities, which include conducting independent reviews, preparing court reports, and ensuring compliance with court orders.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the rights of parties involved in child welfare cases, including the right to counsel for indigent parents and children in removal, placement, or termination proceedings. It mandates that the court appoint the office of state public defender to assign counsel, with exceptions for putative fathers until they have been served notice. The bill removes references to the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act, which is set to terminate on June 30, 2025, and streamlines the appointment process for guardians ad litem or court-appointed special advocates. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the clarity, effectiveness, and accountability of child welfare laws and procedures, ensuring that the rights of all parties are upheld.

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