Senate bill NO. 163

INTRODUCED BY D. Lenz

By Request of the ****

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT ESTABLISHING A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO SUPPORT CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES ACTIVITIES; EXTENDING RULEMAKING AUTHORITY; and REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT to THE CHILDREN, FAMILIES, HEALTH, AND HUMAN SERVICES INTERIM COMMITTEE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Volunteer program -- rulemaking -- report. (1) There is established within the department a volunteer program to support child protective services activities. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Volunteers are not salaried employees and are not entitled to wages and benefits.

(2)        The department shall, by administrative rule:

(a)        establish a registration portal for volunteers interested in supporting child protective services activities, including those related to child abuse and neglect prevention, family support, and reunification; and

(b)        develop a process for referring potential volunteers to faith-based and community-based organizations offering volunteer opportunities that support child protective services activities, including those related to child abuse and neglect prevention, family support, and reunification.

(3)        In accordance with 5-11-210, the department shall report to the children, families, health, and human services interim committee regarding the department's efforts under this section.

Section 2. Codification instruction. [Section 1] is intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 41, chapter 3, part 1, and the provisions of Title 41, chapter 3, part 1, apply to [section 1].