Sen. Dennis Lenz

Maddy summarySB 524 revises laws concerning Category D assisted living facilities, which cater to residents who may pose a danger to themselves or others and require assistance with daily living activities. The bill allows these facilities to be independent or co-located with others, limiting them to 15 residents, and clarifies that while not required, prior authorization is needed for any use of seclusion or restraints. It mandates the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance and a specialized reimbursement model. Additionally, it establishes new processes for diverting individuals from the Montana State Hospital or committing them directly to Category D facilities.

Maddy summarySB 466 establishes a comprehensive set of factors that courts must consider when determining the "best interests of a child" in any legal circumstance. This bill directly affects children, parents, and other parties involved in such proceedings, particularly those related to custody. It mandates consideration of factors including the child's physical and emotional safety, developmental needs, parental capacity, the child's preferences, family relationships, and the stability of their home environment. While courts must consider these factors, they are not required to assign a specific weight to each but must articulate the basis for their decision.

Maddy summarySB 464 revises laws related to the appointment and duties of special advocates in child abuse and neglect proceedings. The bill mandates that courts appoint a special advocate for children alleged to be abused or neglected, establishing minimum qualifications and prohibiting conflicts of interest for these individuals. It expands the advocates' responsibilities, requiring them to conduct independent reviews, access records, prepare reports, and advocate for the child's best interests throughout the case. These duties include monitoring the case, ensuring the child's needs are met, and facilitating safe living arrangements.

Maddy summarySB 317 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for psychiatric prescription drugs that are officially designated as being in shortage. The list of these drugs will be updated quarterly, based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's official shortage list. This aims to ensure covered persons can access necessary psychiatric medications without delays due to prior authorization when supplies are limited. Additionally, the bill prevents manufacturers of these shortage drugs from engaging in predatory pricing or marketing practices.

Maddy summarySB 402 amends Section 41-3-102 of Montana law, which outlines definitions related to child welfare. The bill introduces specific definitions for the outcomes of investigations into reported child abuse or neglect cases. These new definitions categorize findings as "substantiated," "unsubstantiated," or "unfounded." This provides clear and standardized terminology for the Department of Public Health and Human Services when making case determinations in child abuse or neglect investigations, affecting families involved in such reports.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 37 requests an interim survey of behavioral health services in Montana to assess access to mental health care for Montanans. An assigned legislative committee will survey the number and geographic distribution of various mental health beds, including those for emergency detention, crisis stabilization, and long-term psychiatric treatment for adolescents and adults. The survey will also count providers of crisis stabilization and ongoing mental health services, including psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The committee is asked to draft legislation based on the survey to increase bed availability and reduce barriers for behavioral health care providers, especially in rural areas, with results reported to the 70th Legislature.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 36 (SJ 36) requests an interim study on standardizing the prosecution of dependent neglect and child abuse cases in Montana. The study will evaluate the feasibility of expanding the Department of Justice's Child Protection Unit to handle these cases statewide. This aims to address inconsistencies in how these cases are currently handled across different judicial districts. The goal is to improve outcomes for children, ensure due process for all parties, and enhance the overall effectiveness and fairness of Montana's child welfare system. The final results of this study will be reported to the 70th Legislature.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 104 is a procedural bill that confirms the Governor's appointment of Charles Brereton to serve as the Director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services. This resolution formally consents to the appointment made by the Governor.

Maddy summarySR 107 is a resolution by the Montana Senate to confirm the Governor's appointment of Julie Strong to the Board of Dentistry. This action allows Julie Strong to serve on the board for a term ending July 1, 2028.

Maddy summarySB 206 revises laws related to child abuse and neglect investigations and court proceedings. The bill establishes two distinct roles: a child protection investigator and a child reunification specialist. Child protection investigators are responsible for investigating allegations of abuse or neglect and handling cases prior to a child's removal from their home. Child reunification specialists focus on coordinating services and proceedings to reunify families after a child has been removed. The bill generally prohibits the same person from performing both roles in a single case, aiming to separate these functions.