MT HB655

Prohibits Montana state government from taking discriminatory action against adoption or foster care providers who decline services or maintain policies based on sincerely held religious beliefs

Protects foster and adoptive parents from state discrimination based on how they guide, instruct, or raise children according to their religious beliefs

Defines "discriminatory action" broadly to include altering tax treatment, denying grants/contracts/licenses, imposing fines, or taking adverse employment actions against protected persons

Allows affected parties to sue the state within 2 years and recover declaratory/injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees without exhausting administrative remedies first

Applies to religious organizations, individuals, sole proprietorships, closely held corporations, and cooperatives providing covered services including foster home licensing, adoption assistance, home studies, and family support services