Senate Bill No. [number], introduced by D. Lenz, aims to revise child care laws in Montana by ensuring the confidentiality of information maintained by child care licensees or registrants. The bill emphasizes the legislative intent to improve the quality and availability of child care services, particularly for families with working parents. Key amendments include changing the language in Section 52-2-702 to replace "assure" with "ensure" and to clarify the definition of a "child" to include those under 19 years of age who are physically or mentally incapable of independent self-care. Additionally, the bill mandates that information about children in care must be treated as confidential and can only be reviewed by the department with parental consent.

The bill also removes certain requirements for local public health authorities, such as providing inspections and training for day-care centers, and instead places the responsibility on the department to adopt rules for health protection in child care facilities. Other amendments include clarifying the application process for licenses and registration certificates, ensuring that applicants and staff undergo background checks, and establishing standards for day care that prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of children. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

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(3): 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(4): 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