Montana hearing on SB 464 would expand court-appointed advocates but draws sharp objections from attorneys

Senate committees opened a hearing on Senate Bill 464 on Tuesday, a measure that would change how Montana law refers to and appoints court‑appointed special advocates in dependency and neglect proceedings.

Senator Lentz, the bill sponsor, told the committee the bill is intended to clarify the role and duties of what the statute calls a “special advocate,” align that language with existing volunteer programs and expand the pool of people who can serve. He said the bill is part of broader efforts to tighten timelines and improve representation in child protective services cases, noting recent changes to initial‑hearing and show‑cause schedules and the statutory inclusion of counsel for children.

Supporters told the committee the bill would codify standards and expand coverage. April Barnings, executive director of the Montana CASA GAL Association, said her organization represents 16 local CASA/GAL programs and serves “approximately 1,000 children in district and tribal courts across the state of Montana,” and that SB 464 “solidifies and clarifies the role and…