A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO COMPLETE THE COMPREHENSIVE CHILD WELFARE INFORMATION SYSTEM BY THE END OF FISCAL YEAR 2025 2027; and PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE."
WHEREAS, a well-operating child protective services system relies on accurate and effective information and communication; and
WHEREAS, child protective services situations are highly emotional and deserve a rapid and professional response that can be facilitated by a comprehensive, up-to-date computer system; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Health and Human Services declared its intent to build a comprehensive child welfare information system in 2018 but has delayed implementation of the system due to other information technology needs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
NEW SECTION. Section 1. Direction to department of public health and human services. The legislature directs the department of public health and human services to:
(a) complete its planned development of a comprehensive child welfare information system no later than June 20, 2025 2027; and
(b) allocate the resources necessary to complete the system by that date.
NEW SECTION. Section 2. Effective date. [This act] is effective on passage and approval.