MT SB180

Adds a child's credal, cultural, ethnic, or religious heritage—including Indian heritage regardless of tribal enrollment status or blood quantum—as a factor courts must consider in custody and adoption proceedings

Requires courts to consider traditions and customs of social groups the child has direct social, familial, or ancestral connection to, including religious and spiritual beliefs, social/political/economic practices, and geographic connections

Amends both the parenting plan statute (40-4-212) and the adoption best interests statute (42-5-107) to include these heritage-related factors

Requires the Secretary of State to send a copy of the act to each federally recognized tribal government in Montana

Effective date: July 1, 2025