WeVote
Log In

Bill

LB

Bill

HB 280

Repeal interagency coordinating council for state prevention programs

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lyn Bennett

Montana repeals its interagency coordinating council for state prevention programs, eliminating formal coordination of substance abuse and mental health prevention efforts across agencies.

Chapter Number Assigned
#stategovernment
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 280

Legislative bill overview

HB 280 repeals Montana's interagency coordinating council for state prevention programs, eliminating the formal structure for coordinating substance abuse and mental health prevention initiatives across state agencies. The bill effectively dissolves this collaborative mechanism that was designed to streamline prevention efforts and reduce duplication.

Why is this important

The elimination of this coordinating council could affect how Montana's various state agencies—including health, education, and human services departments—communicate and collaborate on prevention programming. This may impact the efficiency and comprehensiveness of prevention services for substance abuse and mental health issues statewide, particularly for vulnerable populations relying on coordinated care.

Potential points of contention

  • Coordination loss: Dissolving the council removes a formal mechanism ensuring different state agencies work together, potentially creating gaps or duplication in prevention services
  • Fiscal impact unclear: The bill's actual cost savings and whether eliminated administrative overhead justifies reduced coordination are not specified
  • Prevention effectiveness: Critics may argue that reducing interagency coordination undermines evidence-based prevention strategies that require collaborative approaches across multiple sectors

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

Sign in to ask a question.