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LC 469

A bill to establish a Montana children's rights act

2025 Regular Session

Aimed to establish a Montana Children's Rights Act to define and protect minors' rights across state agencies; the draft died in process (no enacted language).

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 469

Summary: Montana LC 469 — Montana Children's Rights Act

Overview

  • Bill number: LC 469
  • Title: A bill to establish a Montana children's rights act
  • Introduced: October 4, 2024
  • Status: Draft Died in Process (no enacted language currently available)
  • Classification / Subject: Family Law; Minors

Note: The bill’s text is not provided in the materials available here. The summary below reflects the bill’s stated purpose and the procedural history as recorded.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill is described as establishing a “Montana Children's Rights Act.” While the full text is not provided, the title indicates an effort to create a statutory framework to define and protect the rights of children within Montana. The act would presumably spell out rights for minors and set out how those rights are to be recognized, protected, and potentially enforced within state systems and services such as education, health care, child welfare, and safety.

Key Provisions (based on title and typical scope)

  • The specific rights to be recognized for Montana’s children are not included in the provided materials. If enacted, a “Children's Rights Act” typically could address:
    • Enumerated rights for children (e.g., rights related to safety, education, health, and participation in decisions affecting them).
    • Definitions (e.g., who is considered a child for purposes of the act, and the age range covered).
    • Application to state and local agencies (e.g., how schools, child welfare, health care providers, and courts must respect and implement the rights).
    • Enforcement mechanisms or remedies for violations of rights.
    • Oversight, reporting requirements, and accountability measures.
  • Important: The actual provisions would be contained in the bill’s text. The above outlines represent common components of a “children’s rights” statute and may or may not reflect LC 469’s content.

Potential Impacts and Affected Parties

  • Primary beneficiaries: Minors and their families, who would gain explicit state-recognized rights and protections.
  • Affected entities:
    • State and local government agencies (education, health, child welfare, judiciary) responsible for implementing or enforcing the rights.
    • Schools, medical and mental health providers, child welfare and protective services, and courts involved in matters affecting children.
    • Advocates and organizations working on child welfare and family law.
  • Broader implications: Could influence policy standards, training, and accountability across agencies serving children.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • 2024-10-04: Drafter Assigned
  • 2024-10-25: Draft On Hold
  • 2024-11-21: Draft Taken Off Hold
  • 2025-01-21: Draft On Hold
  • 2025-05-22: Draft Died in Process

Current Status and Next Steps

  • The bill’s draft has died in process, and there are no further actions listed at this time. If interest in a children’s rights framework persists, a future sponsor could reintroduce a revised bill (potentially with a new LC number). To stay informed, monitor the Montana Legislature’s website for updated text, amendments, and status changes.

Where to Find More Information

  • Montana Legislature website: search for LC 469 and related actions to view the bill text, fiscal notes, and committee materials.
  • Contact the Legislative Information Desk or your district representative for clarifications or updates on any reintroduction.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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