Summary — SJ 37: Interim survey of behavioral health services in Montana
Status: Joint resolution — Filed with Secretary of State (May 6, 2025)
Introduced: January 15, 2025
Primary sponsor: Sen. Dennis Lenz
Related: LC 479 (replaces)
Purpose and intent
SJ 37 directs the Montana Legislature to conduct an interim survey (study) of behavioral health services in the state. The resolution’s stated aim is to gather information on the availability, capacity, gaps, and performance of behavioral health services so the Legislature can evaluate needs and consider policy, funding, or statutory changes in a future session.
Key features (what the resolution does)
- Establishes an interim legislative survey of Montana’s behavioral health system (specific study language not included in the summary materials provided).
- Charges the Legislature — typically through a designated interim committee or working group — to collect information and produce findings and recommendations for the next legislative session. (The enrolled text should be consulted for exact membership, charge, and reporting deadlines.)
- Replaces LC 479, indicating SJ 37 serves as the working resolution chosen for the study.
Note: The full enrolled resolution text will specify study scope (for example: hospitals and inpatient capacity, outpatient/community services, crisis services, workforce, funding and Medicaid interactions, tribal and rural access, involuntary treatment processes), committee composition, deadlines, and reporting requirements. Those specific provisions are not included in the version summary provided here.
Who is affected / stakeholders
- State legislative committees and staff conducting the interim work.
- State agencies involved in behavioral health (e.g., DPHHS), behavioral health providers, hospitals, community mental health centers, and tribal health authorities.
- People who use behavioral health services and their families, particularly in rural areas or underserved communities.
- Courts, law enforcement, and emergency services that interact with behavioral health crises.
- State budget and appropriations processes to the extent the study leads to funding requests or statutory changes.
Legislative timeline & procedural status
- Introduced: Jan 15, 2025 (sponsor filing)
- Committee hearings and actions: Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety (hearing Apr 15; Exec Action Apr 17); House Human Services (hearing Apr 25; Exec Action Apr 28)
- Floor actions: Passed both chambers (Senate adopted Mar 5; House adopted in concurrence Mar 5; subsequent readings and concurrence in April)
- Enrolled and signed: Returned from enrolling May 2, 2025; signed by Senate President and House Speaker May 6, 2025
- Filed with Secretary of State: May 6, 2025
Expected impact
SJ 37 itself does not create a program or appropriations; its principal impact is informational and policy-shaping. The study’s findings can inform:
- Drafting of bills and budget requests in future legislative sessions.
- Identification of service gaps, workforce shortages, and regulatory or statutory barriers.
- Coordination among state agencies, providers, and tribal entities to address urgent behavioral health needs.
For the exact charge, membership of the study group, reporting deadline, and deliverables, consult the enrolled text of SJ 37 or the Legislative Services Division staff assigned to the interim study.
