Generally revise laws related to the determination of the best interests of the child in custody and adoption proceedings

SB 180 revises Montana law for custody and adoption cases by expanding the factors courts must consider when determining a child's "best interests." It adds specific requirements to evaluate parents' failure to pay birth costs or child support, prohibits courts from basing decisions solely on a parent's military service, and mandates consideration of a child's cultural, religious, and heritage needs - including Indian heritage regardless of tribal enrollment or blood quantum. The bill also updates adoption proceedings to require courts to assess a child's heritage needs and the nature of relationships with prospective adoptive parents. These changes apply to both custody cases under Section 40-4-212 and adoption cases under Section 42-5-107.