Bill > SJ29

This bill is an interim study resolution addressing the increasing number of babies in Montana born with prenatal exposure to methamphetamine and fentanyl, which can lead to significant developmental, cognitive, and learning challenges. The resolution requests the Legislative Council to designate an appropriate interim committee to examine how the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) can coordinate efforts to support these children. The designated committee will collaborate with tribal governments, county and tribal health departments, and early childhood providers to gather statistics on affected children, investigate strategies used by other states, and develop proposals for a coordinated response. The committee is required to conduct the study and complete all aspects, including presentations and reviews, before September 15, 2026, with a final report to be presented to the 70th Legislature. The resolution recognizes the particular vulnerability of children in areas with concentrated poverty and generational trauma, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive, collaborative approach to addressing the long-term health and educational needs of children exposed to these substances prenatally.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4456