Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Protective Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears sponsor, tribal and agency supporters back bill to speed CPS pre‑hearing coordination
Summary
Senate Bill 73 would require a pre‑hearing conference coordinator be notified promptly in child protective services removals and clarifies that the conference may proceed even if a parent does not participate; supporters said the change promotes speedy reunification and greater context for judges.
Senator Mike Yakawich opened the hearing on Senate Bill 73, calling it an "efficiency bill" designed to improve reconciliation in child protective services by making sure a facilitator coordinates pre‑hearing conferences and receives timely notice.
Proponents said the measure would give judges a more complete picture of each case and speed decisions about placement and reunification. "Senate Bill 73 helps ensure efficient and effective process during the court process for our child protective services," testified Patch Kawaki, who said he represented the Blackfeet, Chippewa Cree of Rocky Boy and Fort Belknap communities and urged members to vote yes.
CJ Pijanowski, a high‑school student who described a family adoption experience, told the committee that a lack of a facilitator had caused "turmoil" in his family and that the bill would protect parental rights by ensuring parents are notified and the parties can work toward reconciliation before appearing before a judge.
Nikki Grossberg, division administrator for Child and Family Services, described the bill’s clarifications in practical terms: the pre‑hearing conference is required "regardless of a parent's participation," the department will notify the pre‑hearing coordinator within 24 hours when a child is removed, and the conferences focus on visitation, placement and services to support reunification. Grossberg said the provision is primarily coordination and scheduling to get all parties working toward the same plan.
Committee members pressed for technical clarity on timing language. Representative Cunningham asked whether the bill’s reference to "within 5 days" meant calendar days or working days; Grossberg said another bill is already amending timing language so the deadlines will align as 5 working days to avoid confusion.
Senator Yakawich closed by framing the bill as a product of collaboration between department staff and legislators and asked the committee for a "due pass." The committee later took executive action and concurred on the bill for floor referral.
Next steps: The House Health and Human Services committee concurred on SB 73 and assigned Vice Chair Howe to carry it to the House floor.
