Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to service area authorities in Montana by expanding the duties of the Department of Mental Health and the service area authorities themselves. Key provisions include the requirement for the Department to support a minimum of three service area authorities, provide annual contracts to each authority that fund various administrative and support services, and establish local mental health advisory councils in collaboration with counties and tribal nations. The bill also mandates the Department to respond to recommendations from service area authorities within ten days and to provide liaisons for better coordination.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to enhance the structure and reporting requirements of service area authorities. It introduces new obligations for these authorities, such as submitting annual reports to the governor and legislature, detailing their budget, recommendations, and relationships with local advisory councils. The bill also supersedes existing unfunded mandate laws, ensuring that the new requirements do not impose additional financial burdens without appropriate funding. Furthermore, it includes provisions for notifying tribal governments about the new legislation.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 53-21-1002, 53-21-1006
SB0469_1(1): 53-21-1002, 53-21-1006
SB0469_1(2): 53-21-1002, 53-21-1006
SB0469_1(3): 53-21-1002, 53-21-1006
SB0469_1: 53-21-1002, 53-21-1006