Revise standard for emergency protective services in child abuse and neglect cases

SB 230 revises Montana's standards for emergency protective services in child abuse and neglect cases. It clarifies when child protective services may immediately remove a child (based on safety assessments) and updates reporting rules for sexual abuse allegations - specifically allowing confidentiality agreements with certain victim service providers if the victim is 14+ and seeking confidential care. The bill also sets new record-keeping requirements: safety assessments must be kept for 25 years unless destroyed within 30 days after a 3-year period, with exceptions for cases involving confirmed abuse or prior reports. This bill directly affects child protective services workers, county attorneys, and families involved in abuse/neglect investigations. (Note: The bill was tabled and died in process in May 2025.)