MontanaSB 24969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise child abuse and neglect laws involving adjudication

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Expert witness rule for Indian children

Beginning July 1, 2025, in cases that involve an Indian child under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, a qualified expert must testify. The expert must say that keeping the child with the parent or Indian custodian is likely to cause serious emotional or physical harm. The law removes references to a separate state ICWA and ties this safeguard to the federal law.

Law takes effect on passage

The law is effective on passage and approval. Most changes apply right away. A later set of child abuse and neglect adjudication rules begins July 1, 2025.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Dennis Lenz
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Valerie Moore
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 223 • No: 75

Senate vote • 3/28/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 61 • No: 38

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 62 • No: 37

Senate vote • 2/21/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/20/2025