MT SB50

Requires child protection specialists, peace officers, or county attorneys to obtain a warrant from district court before removing a child from their home, with applications permitted in writing, by telephone, or electronically

Allows warrantless removal only when there is probable cause the child faces "imminent and apparent danger" (defined as immediately observable and about to happen) in the time required to obtain a warrant

Reduces the deadline for filing an abuse and neglect petition from 5 working days to 72 hours following emergency removal of a child

Mandates that warrants be served within 10 days of issuance and only by the person specifically named in the warrant

Effective date is July 1, 2026