The bill revises the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act and related laws, focusing on several key areas to enhance the welfare of Indian children. It clarifies the standard for emergency removal of children, establishes additional requirements for guardianships, and mandates consultation with an Indian child's tribe when developing a permanency plan. The bill also introduces new grounds for courts to recognize a child as an Indian child and requires that any denial of a transfer of jurisdiction be documented in writing. Furthermore, it revises the requirements for qualified expert witnesses, active efforts, evidence, and placement preferences.

Additionally, the bill repeals Section 55 of Chapter 716 from the Laws of 2023 and includes provisions for notifying tribal governments about the enactment of this legislation. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, reflecting the Montana Legislature's commitment to cooperation and collaboration with tribal governments in matters affecting family relationships and child welfare.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1(1): 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1(2): 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1(3): 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1(4): 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1(5): 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1(6): 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1(7): 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1(8): 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1(9): 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329
SB0147_1: 40-6-407, 41-3-306, 41-3-444, 41-3-445, 41-3-1306, 41-3-1310, 41-3-1318, 41-3-1319, 41-3-1320, 41-3-1325, 41-3-1328, 41-3-1329