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Committee backs expanding child‑endangerment penalties to recognize child witnesses as victims
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony supporting House Bill 191, which would add a standalone subsection to Montana’s endangering‑the‑welfare statutes to recognize children who witness domestic violence as victims and to open access to services. The committee moved the bill forward in executive action.
Representative Curtis Schomer, sponsor of House Bill 191, opened the hearing saying the measure “protects children” by increasing penalties and creating a distinct subsection to recognize children who witness violence.
Nut graf: Proponents — including prosecutors, the Department of Justice, statewide law‑enforcement representatives and victim‑service groups — said recognizing child witnesses as victims would change law‑enforcement documentation and increase access to counseling and crime‑victim compensation for affected children. The committee moved HB 191 out on a…
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