Montana SB180: Generally revise laws related to the determination of the best interests of the child in custody and adoption proceedings

What the bill says

A bill for an act entitled: "an act generally revising laws related to the determination of the best interests of the child in custody and adoption proceedings; amending sections 40-4-212 and 42-5-107, mca; and providing an effective date.".

From the engrossed text:

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT GENERALLY REVISING LAWS RELATED TO THE DETERMINATION OF THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD IN CUSTODY AND ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS; AMENDING SECTIONS 40-4-212 AND 42-5-107, MCA; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE." BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: Section 1. Section 40-4-212, MCA, is amended to read: "40-4-212. Best interest of child. (1) The court shall determine the parenting plan in accordance with the best interest of the child. The court shall consider all relevant parenting factors, which may include but are not limited (b) the wishes of the child; (c) the interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child's parent or parents and siblings and with any other person who significantly affects the child's best interest; (d) the child's adjustment to home, school, and community; (e) the mental and physical health of all individuals involved; (f) physical abuse or threat of physical abuse by one parent against the other parent or the child; (g) chemical dependency, as defined in 53-24-103, or chemical abuse on the part of either parent; (h) continuity and stability of care; (i) developmental needs of the child; (j) whether a parent has knowingly failed to pay birth-related costs that the parent is able to pay, which is considered to be not in the …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Webber, Susan (D, 8) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. May 23, 2025: (H) Died in Committee
2. March 26, 2025: (H) Tabled in Committee
3. March 17, 2025: (H) Hearing
4. March 4, 2025: (H) 1st Reading
5. March 4, 2025: (H) Referred to Committee
6. March 3, 2025: (S) Transmitted to House
7. March 3, 2025: (S) 3rd Reading
8. March 3, 2025: (S) Scheduled for 3rd Reading
9. February 28, 2025: (S) 2nd Reading
10. February 28, 2025: (S) 2nd Reading Motion to Amend

Votes

• Do Pass (March 3, 2025): 33 yea, 17 nay, passed
• Do Pass As Amended (February 28, 2025): 30 yea, 19 nay, passed
• AMD-SB0180.001.002 Lenz D/PASS (February 28, 2025): 49 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB180?

SB180 is a bill in the Montana Legislature (2025 Regular Session): Generally revise laws related to the determination of the best interests of the child in custody and adoption proceedings.

What does SB180 do?

In its own words: A bill for an act entitled: "an act generally revising laws related to the determination of the best interests of the child in custody and adoption proceedings; amending sections 40-4-212 and 42-5-107, mca; and providing an effective date.".

What is the status of SB180?

Failed as of May 23, 2025. Latest action: (H) Died in Committee (May 23, 2025).

Who sponsored SB180?

Webber, Susan (D, 8).

Where is the official record for SB180?

On the Montana Legislature website: https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0315