Sen. Mike Yakawich

Maddy summarySB 516 generally revises laws related to facilities licensed by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). The bill updates various definitions, including providing a new definition for "substance use disorder treatment facility." It also updates the licensure requirements specifically for community homes that serve individuals with severe disabilities and developmental disabilities. These changes aim to modernize the regulatory framework for various health and human services facilities across the state.

Maddy summarySB 369 strengthens youth suicide prevention efforts in Montana schools by revising existing laws. It requires the Office of Public Instruction to ensure low-cost and no-cost options for youth suicide awareness and prevention training for schools. Employees of school districts and certain Office of Public Instruction staff who work directly with students must complete at least one hour of this training every three years. School districts are also required to include these training requirements in their suicide prevention and response policies.

Maddy summarySB 398 revises the laws governing municipal courts by increasing the maximum monetary amount they can handle for certain civil actions. The bill raises the cap from $25,000 to $50,000 for cases involving the collection of money due to or from a city, breach of city contracts, claims for damages where the city is involved, and the recovery of personal property belonging to the city. This change expands the types and value of cases that can be heard in municipal courts, affecting cities and individuals involved in these specific legal proceedings.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 48 (SJ 48) requests an interim study on the public health and safety impacts of marijuana legalization in Montana. This study, to be conducted by a designated legislative committee, will examine various areas including emergency room trends related to marijuana use, its effects on youth and schools, and impacts on the criminal justice system. The committee will engage stakeholders such as health professionals, law enforcement, and educators to gather data and input. The final report, including findings and proposed legislative strategies, will be submitted to the 70th Legislature to inform future policy.

Maddy summarySJ 49 requests an interim study of youth and family behavioral health prevention programs across Montana. An interim committee will be designated to comprehensively review these programs, focusing on their funding, workforce, and delivery settings for youth under 18. The study aims to identify gaps in the state's behavioral health system and assess how prevention efforts divert youth and families from crises, with findings to be reported to the 70th Legislature.

Maddy summarySR 108 is a resolution that designates the week of April 14, 2025, as "Two Lights for Tomorrow Week" in Montana. It encourages citizens, government buildings, and public spaces to display two lights on the night of April 18, 2025, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 113 clarifies which personal belongings inside a towed motor vehicle are exempt from towing and storage liens. The bill specifies that consumer food products and perishable goods not intended for resale are exempt. It also protects original personal identifying documents, various original records (personal, legal, business), and financial items like cash, credit cards, and checks from being subject to the lien. Additionally, child safety items and containers like wallets or purses that hold these exempt items are also excluded from the lien. This legislation aims to provide clarity for both tow truck operators and vehicle owners regarding these exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 280 revises the grant requirements for Montana's domestic violence intervention program. The bill allows the Montana Board of Crime Control to provide grants to communities. These grants are specifically for funding probation or compliance officers who monitor individuals charged with or convicted of certain domestic violence offenses, such as partner or family member assault, strangulation, or protection order violations, to ensure they follow court-ordered requirements. The legislation also continues to allow grants for courts to implement offender intervention programs.

Maddy summarySB 361 revises Montana law regarding health insurance claims submitted by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). It prevents health insurance issuers and other entities responsible for claim payments from denying DPHHS claims solely based on the date of submission, claim format, lack of prior authorization, or failure to present proper documentation at the point of sale. This applies if DPHHS submits the claim within three years of the service date and takes enforcement action within six years of submission. The bill clarifies that it does not require payment for services not covered under a health plan or impose new financial liabilities beyond existing agreements.

Maddy summarySB 73 amends Montana's child protective services law to improve communication and process for children placed in protective care. It requires agencies placing a child in protective care to notify prehearing conference facilitators within 24 hours (new requirement) and mandates a prehearing conference before emergency protective services hearings. The bill also strengthens parent notifications, detailing hearing timelines, contact information, and rights - including the right to request kinship foster care - while adding specific provisions for cases involving domestic violence. These changes directly affect child protection agencies, parents, courts, and children in emergency removal situations under Montana law.