This bill revises the laws governing child abuse and neglect investigations by the Department of Public Health and Human Services in Montana. It removes the provision for "temporary investigative authority" from multiple sections, including 41-3-422 and 41-3-433, and clarifies the procedures for filing abuse and neglect petitions. The bill mandates that petitions must be filed by the county attorney, attorney general, or an attorney hired by the county, and it prioritizes these petitions in court scheduling. The amendments aim to streamline the legal process while ensuring the rights of all parties involved are upheld.

Additionally, the bill establishes new requirements for petitions seeking immediate protection and emergency services for children, including the necessity of an affidavit from a department representative. It limits the duration of emergency protective orders to 90 days, ensuring that such measures are temporary and subject to review. The legislation also introduces provisions for the court to issue immediate protection orders based on probable cause or clear and convincing evidence, particularly in cases involving the federal Indian Child Welfare Act. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency of child welfare proceedings while prioritizing the safety and best interests of the child.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_1(1): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_1(2): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_1(3): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_1(4): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_1(5): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_1(6): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_1(7): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_1: 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_2: 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(1): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(10): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(11): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(12): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(13): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(14): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(2): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(3): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(4): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(5): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(6): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(7): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(8): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X(9): 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432
HB0077_X: 3-5-901, 41-3-422, 41-3-427, 41-3-432