MontanaHB 69069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise laws related to child protection

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Clearer tribal rules in child welfare

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law clarifies tribal status in child welfare cases. An Indian child is an unmarried person under 18 who is a tribe member, or is eligible and the biological child of a member. If a child has more than one eligible tribe, the child’s tribe is the one with more significant contacts. An Indian custodian includes an Indian person with legal custody under tribal or state law, or someone a parent gave temporary care. Indian tribe includes groups recognized by Montana or the U.S., including Alaska Native villages. These rules guide tribal notice, custody, and placement decisions.

Parents protected for sex-consistent child rearing

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law narrows what counts as child abuse or neglect. Raising or referring to a child consistent with the child’s biological sex is not abuse or neglect. This also covers related medical or mental‑health decisions by parents or caregivers. Courts and child welfare workers must apply this rule in abuse or neglect cases.

Faster sharing of child-safety records

The law sets tighter timelines and access rules for child‑abuse records. When a report alleges sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, the department sends the listed records to the county attorney within five business days. It also tells required officials and safety teams. An exception applies for confidential sexual‑assault service contractors. If the department finds reasonable cause that a child was exposed to a Schedule I or II drug or related paraphernalia, it quickly shares results with designated people and school‑safety teams. A U.S. or Montana legislator may view case records only after a written request, a confidentiality form, and an orientation. Records are viewed in the local office, cannot be copied, and access ends six months after the request.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Stacy Zinn
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Dennis Lenz
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 119

House vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 34 • No: 16

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 29 • No: 19

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 57 • No: 42

House vote • 3/6/2025