MT SB156

Orders of adjudication, temporary legal custody, and long-term custody in child abuse and neglect cases would require "clear and convincing evidence" instead of the current "preponderance of the evidence" standard

Termination of parental rights would require "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" instead of the current "clear and convincing evidence" standard

Findings that preservation or reunification services are not necessary would require "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" rather than "clear and convincing evidence"

The bill amends eight sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) related to child welfare proceedings, effective July 1, 2025

Federal Indian Child Welfare Act standards continue to apply when proceedings involve an Indian child, superseding these state evidentiary standards