Bill > SB566

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for secure youth transportation companies in Montana, designed to protect children during transit and prevent potential human trafficking. The legislation requires these private businesses or nonprofits that specialize in transporting children to register annually with the Department of Public Health and Human Services, providing detailed information about their company, owners, vehicles, and employees. Companies must notify the department at least 48 hours before transporting a child, submitting specific details such as the child's name, age, parent/guardian contact information, and transport locations. The department will maintain these records for 10 years and make them accessible to the Department of Justice for human trafficking investigations and to the transported individual. The bill strictly prohibits secure youth transportation companies from using physical or chemical restraints or visually impairing children, and bars them from transporting children between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Additionally, employees must identify themselves to the child during transport, and the department will publicly list registered secure youth transport providers on its website. These regulations aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and child safety during youth transportation services.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1093