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MontanaHB 65569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Prohibit discriminatory action against persons providing adoption or foster care services

Sponsored By: Greg Oblander (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Family LawMinorsDiscriminationReligion

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

No state bias against religious parenting

The state cannot treat you differently in custody or placement decisions because you guide or plan to raise a foster or adoptive child by your sincere religious beliefs. This protects people who have or seek custody from bias based on their religiously motivated child‑rearing. It applies to state agencies and others acting for the state.

You can sue the state for discrimination

If the state discriminated against you under this law, you can sue the state or raise this as a defense. You have two years from when you knew or should have known about the action. You do not have to finish any agency appeals first. Courts can order relief to stop the action or declare your rights, award damages, and require the state to pay reasonable attorney fees and costs.

State cannot punish religious foster/adoption providers

The state government cannot take discriminatory action against you for advertising, providing, or helping with adoption or foster care because of your sincere religious beliefs or policies. This covers individuals, religious groups, and closely held businesses. Discriminatory action includes denying grants or contracts, changing tax treatment, or imposing fines or penalties.

Courts must read protections broadly

Courts and agencies must read this law to give the widest protection allowed for religious practice. These protections add to existing federal and state rights. The law does not stop the state from giving other benefits or services that state law allows.

Placements may prioritize child's religion

When making foster or adoptive placements, the state may consider whether a caregiver shares the child’s religion. The state can give higher priority to a caregiver of the same faith. This can help caregivers who share the child’s faith and lower priority for others.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Greg Oblander

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Brandon Ler

    Republican • House

  • Theresa Manzella

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 196 • No: 150

Senate vote • 4/8/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 29 • No: 19

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

AMD-HB0655.001.003 Neumann D/PASS

Yes: 22 • No: 28

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 29 • No: 21

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 59 • No: 40

House vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 57 • No: 42

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/5/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/1/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/22/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    4/21/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/18/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/10/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/8/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    4/8/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/7/2025Senate

  10. 2nd Reading Motion to Amend

    4/7/2025Senate

  11. Committee Report

    4/4/2025Senate

  12. Committee Executive Action

    4/4/2025Senate

  13. Hearing

    3/24/2025Senate

  14. Hearing Canceled

    3/18/2025Senate

  15. Hearing

    3/18/2025Senate

  16. Referred to Committee

    3/17/2025Senate

  17. 1st Reading

    3/14/2025Senate

  18. Transmitted to Senate

    3/7/2025House

  19. 3rd Reading

    3/7/2025House

  20. 2nd Reading

    3/5/2025House

  21. Committee Report

    3/1/2025House

  22. Committee Executive Action

    3/1/2025House

  23. Hearing

    2/25/2025House

  24. 1st Reading

    2/22/2025House

  25. Referred to Committee

    2/22/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/21/2025

    PDF

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