MT SB402

Adds statutory definitions for three case determination categories in child abuse/neglect investigations: "substantiated," "unsubstantiated," and "unfounded"

"Substantiated" requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services to find by a preponderance of the evidence that child abuse or neglect occurred

"Unsubstantiated" applies when the department cannot determine by a preponderance of the evidence whether abuse or neglect occurred

"Unfounded" applies when there is no evidence to corroborate the reported abuse or neglect

Amends Section 41-3-102, MCA, effective July 1, 2025, to incorporate these new definitions into Montana's child protection statute