Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to enhance the reporting and response mechanisms for child abuse and neglect in Montana by revising the definition and certification requirements for "public safety communications officer." The bill mandates that reports of child abuse and neglect be made directly to these officers, who will now assess the information and determine the necessary response level. It introduces new intake procedures, including the requirement for officers to transmit audio recordings of reports and relevant data to the child welfare department. Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to streamline the reporting process and ensure that public safety communications officers are adequately trained in handling such sensitive cases.

The legislation also addresses the disclosure of records related to child abuse and neglect, establishing a process for members of Congress and the Montana legislature to access these records under specific conditions. It emphasizes confidentiality while allowing for necessary disclosures to certain officials, such as the attorney general and county attorneys. Furthermore, the bill modifies existing procedures for the Department of Public Health and Human Services regarding the transmission of reports, ensuring that audio recordings are sent promptly. Overall, the bill aims to improve the protection of vulnerable children by enhancing transparency, accountability, and the efficiency of the reporting system.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 5-11-222, 7-31-201, 7-31-203, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-208, 41-3-211, 41-3-212
SB0463_1(1): 5-11-222, 7-31-201, 7-31-203, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-208, 41-3-211, 41-3-212
SB0463_1(2): 5-11-222, 7-31-201, 7-31-203, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-208, 41-3-211, 41-3-212
SB0463_1(3): 5-11-222, 7-31-201, 7-31-203, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-208, 41-3-211, 41-3-212
SB0463_1: 5-11-222, 7-31-201, 7-31-203, 41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-205, 41-3-208, 41-3-211, 41-3-212