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MontanaHB 7769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise laws related to child abuse and neglect investigations by the department of public health and human services

Sponsored By: SJ Howell (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

Family LawMinors

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Temporary investigative authority ends 2025

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law repeals temporary investigative authority in child welfare cases. Courts and the department can no longer use that remedy. Related references are removed from statute. Families and counties lose that option and must proceed under other available orders.

Faster, clearer emergency child protection

The law updates the process for immediate protection in abuse and neglect cases and repeals the old standalone petition section. A show cause hearing must be held within 20 days of filing. An emergency protective order cannot last more than 90 days. The department’s affidavit must include parents’ statements and explain why removal is safer than staying home, including trauma, school, and services. Parents must get written notice that they can bring a support person to meetings, with reasonable scheduling help. If facts are disputed, the court can hold a contested hearing, consider all evidence (including the child’s hearsay statements), and appoint counsel.

State sends law to tribal nations

The Secretary of State must send a copy of this law to every federally recognized tribal government in Montana. This duty applies upon enactment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • SJ Howell

    Democrat • House

Cosponsors

  • Mike Yakawich

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 297 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/25/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/24/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 1/17/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote • 1/16/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    4/7/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    4/7/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    3/31/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    3/31/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    3/28/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    3/27/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    3/25/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    3/25/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    3/24/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    3/20/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    3/19/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    3/14/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    1/20/2025Senate

  14. 1st Reading

    1/20/2025Senate

  15. Transmitted to Senate

    1/17/2025House

  16. 3rd Reading

    1/17/2025House

  17. 2nd Reading

    1/16/2025House

  18. Committee Report

    1/13/2025House

  19. Committee Executive Action

    1/10/2025House

  20. Committee Executive Action

    1/10/2025House

  21. Hearing

    1/6/2025House

  22. 1st Reading

    1/6/2025House

  23. Referred to Committee

    12/20/2024House

  24. Introduced

    12/12/2024House

Bill Text

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    3/26/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    3/26/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    12/12/2024

    PDF

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