MT SJ31

Requests the Legislative Council to designate an interim committee to study Montana's mandatory reporting system for child abuse and neglect, with findings due to the 70th Legislature

In fiscal year 2024, Montana's child abuse hotline received 28,812 calls, investigated 6,544, and only 1,276 children from approximately 600 families required out-of-home placement

Study would explore uniform training standards to help mandatory reporters distinguish between when to support families versus when to report, reducing reports based on reporter bias or discomfort

Committee would identify alternatives to reporting, including referrals to services and material support, to reduce unnecessary investigations and associated stigma for families

All study aspects must be concluded by September 15, 2026, with proposed legislation to address identified mandatory reporting issues