Bill > SB469

This bill revises laws related to service area authorities in Montana's mental health system, expanding the Department of Public Health and Human Services' responsibilities and clarifying the roles of service area authorities. The bill requires the department to support a minimum of three service area authorities by providing staff, financial support, and annual contracts to cover administrative expenses like meeting costs, websites, and community events. The department must now establish local mental health advisory councils, provide liaisons from children's health and family services divisions, and respond within 10 days to recommendations from service area authorities. Service area authorities will have new powers, including collaborating with state mental health entities, participating in site visits, reviewing complaints, and providing recommendations. The authorities must now submit an annual report to the governor, department, and legislature detailing their budget, recommendations, and an assessment of their relationship with the state. The bill also expressly supersedes existing unfunded mandate laws and requires notification of tribal governments. These changes aim to improve mental health service planning, oversight, and community engagement across Montana.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4153