Montana Senate Committee Advances SB 318 to Protect Children in Custody Cases

In a pivotal meeting of the Montana Senate Judiciary Committee on February 26, 2025, advocates passionately rallied for Senate Bill 318, a proposed legislation aimed at reforming child custody proceedings and enhancing protections for children and survivors of domestic violence. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as proponents shared harrowing personal stories and compelling statistics, underscoring the need for systemic change within the state's judicial framework.

Bart Crabtree, representing the Montana Citizens Council on Judicial Accountability, opened the discussion by emphasizing the bill's significance after four years of advocacy. He urged committee members to support the legislation, framing it as a necessary step towards improving the judiciary's handling of sensitive family law cases.

Denise Johnson, from the Montana Child Protection Alliance, delivered a stark warning about the dangers of parental alienation and the exploitation of family law by self-proclaimed experts. She recounted a distressing case where a mother’s concerns about her children’s safety were dismissed, leading to a custody arrangement that favored the financially dominant parent. Johnson's testimony painted a grim picture of a system where money often trumps the well-being of children, calling for urgent reforms to prevent such injustices.

Jan Stroud, a survivor of intimate partner violence and president of the Montana chapter of the National Organization for Women, echoed these sentiments. She highlighted the alarming rates of violence against women in Montana, particularly among Indigenous populations, and stressed the importance of trauma-informed training for court professionals. Stroud argued that SB 318 would not only protect children but also empower safe parents, primarily mothers, by ensuring that those involved in custody decisions are equipped with the knowledge to recognize and respond to domestic violence and child abuse.

As the meeting progressed, the committee heard from various proponents, each reinforcing the bill's potential to safeguard vulnerable families and promote justice within the state's family courts. The testimonies collectively painted a picture of a judicial system in need of reform, where the safety and rights of children must take precedence over financial interests.

The discussions surrounding Senate Bill 318 reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive training and accountability within Montana's judicial system. As advocates continue to push for its passage, the implications of this legislation could resonate far beyond the courtroom, potentially reshaping the landscape of family law in Montana for years to come.