MT SB125

Community homes for persons with developmental disabilities must develop written policies and procedures to ensure health and safety of residents and neighboring communities, including measures to prevent illegal trespass onto neighboring properties such as setbacks, fencing, or additional staffing

Department of Public Health and Human Services must provide written notice to landowners within one-half mile of a proposed community home and allow at least 28 days for public comment on license applications

Creates a formal complaint process allowing aggrieved persons to file complaints with the department when community homes fail to follow approved policies or when policies are insufficient to prevent injury

Department must investigate complaints within 180 days using a preponderance of evidence standard, with options for mediation and conciliation; unresolved complaints proceed to contested case hearings

Remedies for violations include license conditions, corrective measures, compliance reporting, license suspension or revocation, and potential district court action; punitive damages are prohibited