Establish factors when determining best interest of child

This bill establishes a mandatory list of factors that courts must consider when determining what is in the best interest of a child in Montana. It directly affects judges, parents, and families involved in custody or child welfare cases by requiring them to evaluate specific criteria such as the child's safety, developmental needs, and relationship with each parent. The legislation includes provisions that protect children from parental manipulation, consider the child's own preferences, and ensure that a parent's disability or socioeconomic status does not automatically disqualify them from custody. Courts must explain their reasoning for each decision based on these factors, though they are not required to assign specific weight to any single item on the list.