This bill aims to revise laws related to child protective care in Montana by introducing new requirements for the notification and prehearing conference processes. Specifically, it mandates that the person or agency placing a child in protective care must notify the prehearing conference facilitator about the placement within 24 hours. Additionally, it establishes that a prehearing conference must occur within five days of a child's removal and prior to any emergency protective services hearing. The bill amends Sections 41-3-301 and 41-3-307 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect these changes.

In Section 41-3-301, the bill emphasizes the importance of timely communication with parents or guardians regarding the child's placement and the associated legal proceedings. It also clarifies the rights of parents or guardians during this process. In Section 41-3-307, the bill modifies the language to ensure that a prehearing conference is held within the specified timeframe and outlines the participants involved in the conference, including legal counsel for both the parents and the child. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the protective care process for children by ensuring timely notifications and facilitating discussions among relevant parties.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_1(1): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_1(2): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_1(3): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_1(4): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_1(5): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_1(6): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_1(7): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_1: 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(1): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(10): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(11): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(12): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(2): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(3): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(4): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(5): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(6): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(7): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(8): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X(9): 41-3-301, 41-3-307
SB0073_X: 41-3-301, 41-3-307