MT SB18

Amends Montana Code 41-3-102 to specify that parental substance use, a child's obesity, disorderly living conditions, or other factors closely related to economic status do not alone constitute "physical or psychological harm to a child" for purposes of child abuse or neglect determinations.

Clarifies that self-defense, defense of others, or actions taken to prevent a child from self-harm do not constitute child abuse or neglect if they do not result in physical or psychological harm.

Specifies that a youth not receiving supervision solely because of parental inability to control the youth's behavior does not constitute child abuse or neglect.

Requested by the Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee and introduced by Senator D. Lenz during the 69th Legislature (2025).