Bill > SJ31

This bill is a legislative resolution requesting the Legislative Council to designate an interim committee to conduct a comprehensive study on mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect in Montana. The resolution stems from data showing that in fiscal year 2024, out of 28,812 calls to the child abuse hotline, only 1,276 children from approximately 600 families actually required out-of-home placement. The interim committee will be tasked with exploring several key areas: developing consistent training for mandatory reporters to help them distinguish between when to support families versus when to report potential abuse, identifying steps for gathering information before making a report, understanding how to better support children and families through alternative services, exploring alternatives to reporting, creating recommendations for uniform training, and preparing proposed legislation to address issues in the current mandatory reporting system. The committee is required to complete all aspects of the study before September 15, 2026, and must report its final findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the 70th Legislature, with the ultimate goal of minimizing unnecessary investigations and stigmatization of families while still protecting children's safety.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0498