MontanaSB 14469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Change name of mental health advisory council to behavioral health advisory council

Sponsored By: Mike Yakawich (Republican)

Became Law

HealthMental Illness or Incapacity

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Better coordination for kids needing care

State agencies share information to track children who need mental health services. This links care across addiction, foster care, developmental disabilities, special education, and juvenile corrections. Parents and guardians see better coordination and faster access to the right services.

Statewide behavioral health system and protections

The Department of Public Health and Human Services sets up a statewide behavioral health care system using providers. The system must track clear performance and outcome measures. It must offer simple, accessible appeals for level-of-care decisions. The department sets the amount, scope, and duration of services.

Behavioral Health Advisory Council strengthened

The statewide council is renamed the Behavioral Health Advisory Council. Half of members must be consumers or immediate family, and appointments must consider geographic diversity. Local advisory councils meet with and report to the statewide council. The council can be organized to meet federal advisory rules to secure funds and is exempt from statute 2-15-122.

More help for non-Medicaid families, with fees

Households not eligible for Medicaid can get public mental health services if family income is 160% of the federal poverty threshold or less. The department can set a lower income limit. It can also count medical bills to lower the income used to decide eligibility. People not eligible for Medicaid may get fewer services than Medicaid enrollees, though a pharmacy benefit can be included. The department can charge sliding fees, premiums, or copays based on family income.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mike Yakawich
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Jane Weber
Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 285 • No: 8

Senate vote • 3/21/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 91 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/20/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 95 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/4/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/3/2025