This bill amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to establish new regulations regarding marriage, particularly focusing on the age of individuals eligible to marry. It introduces a prohibition against marriages for individuals under 18 years of age and removes the requirement for judicial approval for those aged 16 or 17 seeking a marriage license. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "child" to eliminate the stipulation that a child must not be married to qualify for certain protections and support provisions. It also updates the process for declaring a marriage invalid, ensuring that children born from invalid marriages are considered legitimate.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions and rights related to child custody, parental authority, and caretaker relatives. It revises the definition of "Indian child" by removing the term "unmarried," broadening the scope of who qualifies under the law. The bill also introduces new definitions related to child welfare, such as "safety and risk assessment" and "therapeutic needs assessment," aimed at improving the framework for child protection services. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance legal clarity and protections for minors and families in Montana, particularly in the context of marriage and child welfare.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 1-1-215, 15-61-102, 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104, 19-17-102, 19-19-503, 20-5-501, 27-1-718, 28-2-706, 39-71-116, 40-1-202, 40-1-203, 40-1-401, 40-1-402, 40-5-201, 40-5-278, 40-5-701, 40-6-221, 40-6-234, 40-6-501, 41-1-401, 41-1-402, 41-1-404, 41-3-102, 41-3-1303, 41-5-103, 41-5-1402, 42-2-201, 50-20-503, 70-1-404, 72-5-103, 72-5-104, 72-5-211, 72-5-222, 72-5-231, 72-5-233, 72-5-427, 87-2-102