Provide for case determinations of investigations of reported child abuse or neglect
This bill amends Montana's child welfare laws by updating and clarifying key definitions used in investigations of child abuse and neglect. It directly affects the Department of Public Health and Human Services, law enforcement, and families involved in child protection cases by establishing consistent terminology for terms like "abandoned," "abused or neglected," and "adequate health care." The legislation clarifies that religious objections to medical treatment do not automatically constitute abuse, while still allowing state intervention when a child faces imminent serious harm. Additionally, it expands the definition of child abuse to include exposure to drug distribution and trafficking, while excluding self-defense actions and parental inability to control behavior from abuse classifications.
Bill status
introduced
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Oct 4, 2024
Last action Feb 20, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
11
Key actions
0
Committee
0
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
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