A bill to renew the dependency and neglect court system task force

SB 268 renews and modifies Montana's Task Force on Dependency and Neglect Court Systems, extending its work until September 15, 2026 (previously ending in 2025). The bill increases the task force from 12 to 15 members, including legislative appointees, judges, tribal representatives, child welfare specialists, and others with direct experience in child protection systems. The task force must study whether a separate dependency and neglect court system would better serve children and families than enhancements to the existing court system, examining factors like funding, court structure, and interactions with family law cases. Its final report, including recommendations for legislative action, must be submitted to the governor and legislature by September 2026.