The bill aims to revise the Montana child support guidelines by establishing a structured oversight committee and enhancing the expertise of staff involved in child support services. It mandates that the Department of Public Health and Human Services adopt uniform child support guidelines and conduct a review of these guidelines every four years to ensure they result in appropriate child support awards. The bill introduces a child support guidelines project manager and requires that this individual, along with at least one other staff member, possess expertise in tax preparation and analysis.

Additionally, the bill establishes a guidelines review oversight committee that includes various stakeholders, such as noncustodial and custodial parents, a member from a federally recognized Indian tribe, and a current or retired administrative law judge with expertise in child support matters. This committee is tasked with researching and recommending changes to the child support guidelines, ensuring public meetings for transparency, and reporting to the interim committee on children, families, health, and human services. Furthermore, the Department is required to contract with a private vendor to assist in calculating child support expenses according to the guidelines.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 40-5-209