During the 2023 Legislative Session, the Center is supporting the efforts of our state and local partners as they work to ensure that legislation results in meaningful improvements to Montana’s health and social systems. The Center collaborates with partners to track legislation, develop policy briefs, interpret data, disseminate information, and strategize engagement with policymakers.

To monitor proposed legislation, we encourage the utilization of existing bill trackers, including those from the Montana Free Press and Zero to Five Montana. Noteworthy bills include:

• HB 16 - Revise laws relating to child abuse and neglect proceedings: HB 16 requires prehearing conferences to be offered to every family within five days of a child’s removal by the Child and Family Services Division (CFSD). The bill further clarifies that emergency protective hearings must take place within five days of a removal and provides specific guidance on how to improve communication amongst relevant parties when a removal occurs.
• HB 37 - Generally revise child abuse and neglect laws: HB 37 requires the Child and Family Services Division (CFSD) to obtain a court warrant to remove a child from home in non-emergent situations and further defines reasonable efforts required by the Child and Family Services Division (CFSD).
• HB 317 - Provide for the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act: HB 317 codifies the tenets of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), federal guidelines established in 1978, within Montana Code Annotated. 
• HB 648 - Provide for the best beginnings scholarship program: HB 648 expands eligibility for the Best Beginnings Scholarship program to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level and limits co-pays to 9% of the family's monthly income.
• HB 822 - Generally revise school-based mental health services: HB 822 establishes a continuum of behavioral health services and supports in schools through a multitiered system of support. Students will not require an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to qualify for services.
• SB 99 - Provide for a youth health protection act: SB 99 removes access to gender-affirming healthcare and prohibits public employees (teachers, school counselors, etc.) from supporting a minor’s gender transition.
• SB 148 - Revise laws regarding legal representation of children: SB 148 requires every child to be assigned a public defender when involved in a child abuse and neglect case.