House Bill 184 seeks to revise and update Montana laws concerning individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, with an emphasis on enhancing their dignity and respect. The bill introduces several amendments to existing statutes, including changing terminology from "hearing impaired" to "deaf or hard-of-hearing" and replacing "hearing loss" with "various auditory ranges." These changes aim to provide a more accurate and respectful representation of individuals with hearing differences. Additionally, the bill establishes provisions for the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind to negotiate agreements with out-of-state educational institutions for student placements, ensuring that funds received are allocated for educational purposes.

The legislation also mandates that health insurance coverage for children includes diagnosis and treatment for various auditory ranges, ensuring access to necessary medical devices. It emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention for newborns who may be deaf or hard of hearing, requiring hospitals to conduct hearing screenings before discharge. Overall, House Bill 184 aims to create a comprehensive system of support and services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, promoting their rights and access to essential resources.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_1(1): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_1(2): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_1(3): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_1(4): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_1(5): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_1(6): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_1(7): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_1: 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(1): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(10): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(11): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(2): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(3): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(4): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(5): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(6): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(7): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(8): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2(9): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_2: 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_X(1): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_X(2): 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402
HB0184_X: 2-18-704, 13-1-101, 20-8-102, 20-8-104, 20-8-107, 20-8-116, 33-22-128, 37-16-102, 49-4-501, 49-4-502, 49-4-602, 53-19-401, 53-19-402