The bill amends Section 41-3-205 of the Montana Code Annotated to expand the access of legislators to child abuse and neglect investigation records. Specifically, it stipulates that access to these records must now include drug testing results held by the department, which encompasses testing conducted both in the field and in a laboratory. This change aims to enhance the ability of legislators to review and assess the effectiveness of laws protecting children from abuse and neglect.

In addition to the new provision regarding drug testing results, the bill maintains existing confidentiality measures surrounding child abuse and neglect records, ensuring that unauthorized dissemination of information remains a misdemeanor. The bill outlines various entities and individuals who may access these records under specific circumstances, emphasizing the importance of protecting the identities of those who report abuse or neglect. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve oversight and accountability in child welfare investigations while balancing the need for confidentiality.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-3-205
SB0248_1(1): 41-3-205
SB0248_1(2): 41-3-205
SB0248_1(3): 41-3-205
SB0248_1(4): 41-3-205
SB0248_1(5): 41-3-205
SB0248_1: 41-3-205
SB0248_2: 41-3-205
SB0248_X(1): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(10): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(11): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(12): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(13): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(2): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(3): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(4): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(5): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(6): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(7): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(8): 41-3-205
SB0248_X(9): 41-3-205
SB0248_X: 41-3-205