Bill > SB318

This bill aims to comprehensively revise child custody laws in Montana, with a primary focus on enhancing child safety and protection in legal proceedings. The bill establishes mandatory training requirements for judges, standing masters, and guardians ad litem in child custody cases, specifically focusing on domestic violence and child abuse. Judges and guardians ad litem must now complete at least 20 hours of initial training and 15 hours of ongoing training every two years, with a curriculum that deeply explores various forms of abuse, trauma, and bias. The training must be provided by professionals with substantive experience in assisting abuse survivors and must rely on evidence-based research. The bill expands the definition of "child custody proceeding" and strengthens protections for children by requiring courts to consider evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, and the child's fundamental rights when determining parenting plans. Key provisions include allowing children to be heard in proceedings, preventing court-ordered reunification treatments that might be harmful, and ensuring that expert testimony in abuse cases comes from qualified professionals. The legislation emphasizes prioritizing child safety, recognizing children's rights to protection from violence, and creating a more trauma-informed approach to child custody proceedings.