Senate Bill No. [number], introduced by D. Lenz, aims to revise child care laws in Montana by ensuring the confidentiality of information about children maintained by child care licensees or registrants. The bill removes the requirement for local public health authorities to conduct certain inspections and provide specific training for day-care centers. Key amendments include changing the language in Section 52-2-702 to emphasize the state's intent to ensure quality child care and to protect the rights and responsibilities of parents. Additionally, the bill updates definitions related to child care, such as clarifying the age range for children and the roles of parents and caregivers.

The bill also mandates that licensees and registrants maintain records and allow inspections by the department while ensuring that children's information remains confidential. It introduces new requirements for background checks for staff in day-care facilities and specifies that administrative rules must not be more stringent than existing laws. The effective date of the bill is immediate upon passage and approval. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of child care services while safeguarding the rights of families and children.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 52-2-702, 52-2-703, 52-2-722, 52-2-723, 52-2-725, 52-2-731, 52-2-732, 52-2-735, 52-2-737
SB0467_1(1): 52-2-702, 52-2-703, 52-2-722, 52-2-723, 52-2-725, 52-2-731, 52-2-732, 52-2-735, 52-2-737
SB0467_1(2): 52-2-702, 52-2-703, 52-2-722, 52-2-723, 52-2-725, 52-2-731, 52-2-732, 52-2-735, 52-2-737
SB0467_1: 52-2-702, 52-2-703, 52-2-722, 52-2-723, 52-2-725, 52-2-731, 52-2-732, 52-2-735, 52-2-737