Bill > SB248

This bill amends an existing Montana law regarding confidentiality of child protective services (CPS) records by specifically adding that when legislators request and review CPS records related to child abuse and neglect investigations, they must also be granted access to drug testing results from both field and laboratory testing. Currently, legislators can request access to CPS records under certain conditions, such as submitting a written inquiry about a specific child and receiving an orientation on record confidentiality. The bill expands the existing legislative access provision by explicitly stating that drug testing results must be included in the records made available for review. This change ensures that legislators have comprehensive access to information when investigating potential child welfare concerns, including details about drug testing that might be relevant to a child's safety and well-being. The bill maintains the existing strict confidentiality protections, including prohibitions on copying or sharing the records, and limits the access to a 6-month period from the date of the initial request.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0471