Sen. Dennis Lenz

Maddy summarySB 251 establishes confidentiality for all matters under investigation by the Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman. This means information received, collected, and maintained by the ombudsman's office cannot be disclosed or shared. However, there are exceptions: records may be disclosed to a court for in camera inspection if relevant to a legal issue, and a court can permit disclosure if necessary for a fair resolution. The bill also specifically ensures the identity of individuals who contact the ombudsman remains confidential, with a limited exception.

Maddy summarySB 248 amends Montana law concerning the confidentiality of child abuse and neglect investigation records. This bill specifically provides that state legislators' access to these Child Protective Services (CPS) records will now include any related drug testing results. The change expands the types of information legislators can review when examining child protection cases. This directly affects legislators by broadening their access to information within these records and impacts individuals whose drug testing results are part of CPS investigations.

Maddy summarySB 256 revises laws concerning the access and confidentiality of child abuse and neglect investigation records. The bill expands the exceptions to confidentiality, allowing a broader range of individuals and entities to access these records under specific conditions. This includes courts, authorized agencies, health professionals, certain family members, foster and adoptive parents, and for purposes like research or background screenings. It also revises discovery procedures in abuse and neglect proceedings and provides for record access in child custody cases.

Maddy summarySB 249 revises Montana's child abuse and neglect laws, specifically impacting the court's adjudication process. It requires courts to hear additional evidence from individuals who have been caring for a child, beyond just the child's parents. This evidence will detail the extent and continuity of care provided by these individuals and the circumstances surrounding the child's placement with them. The aim is to provide courts with more comprehensive information when determining if a child is a youth in need of care, particularly when child abandonment is alleged.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 46 confirms the Governor's appointments of Hillary Carter and Barbara Doughty to the Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. This action signifies the Senate's agreement for these individuals to serve on the board.

Maddy summarySR 50 is a procedural resolution that confirms the Governor's appointments to the Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Specifically, it approves Brace Hayden and Doug Martin to serve on the board.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution confirms the Governor's appointment of Donald Skillman to the Board of Medical Examiners. Mr. Skillman is appointed to serve a term ending July 1, 2028.

Maddy summarySR 27 is a resolution from the Montana Senate that confirms the Governor's appointment of Wes Thompson to the Board of Nursing Home Administrators. This action allows Mr. Thompson to serve on the board for a term ending June 30, 2027.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 36 confirms the Governor's appointment of Michael Aranda to the Board of Behavioral Health. This action allows Mr. Aranda to serve a term on the board until July 1, 2028.

Maddy summarySR 33 is a procedural resolution by the Montana Senate. It confirms the Governor's appointments of Joshua Campbell, William E. Thomas, and Joseph Vincent to the Board of Optometry.