Bill > HB690

This bill modifies Montana's child abuse and neglect laws by explicitly clarifying that raising a child in a manner consistent with their biological sex, including making related mental health or medical decisions, does not constitute child abuse or neglect. The bill amends existing definitions in child protection statutes to add language that protects parents from being considered abusive or neglectful solely for referring to or raising a child in alignment with their biological sex. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding legislative access to confidential child welfare records, specifying that members of Congress or the Montana Legislature who are reviewing such records cannot disclose information designated as attorney-client privileged, but can challenge such designations in court. The bill also allows these legislative members to take notes about the records and discuss them with parents or guardians, with certain restrictions. These changes appear aimed at providing more explicit protections for parents making medical or social decisions for their children based on the child's biological sex and clarifying the boundaries of legislative oversight in child welfare cases.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3433