URGENT DEVELOPMENTS IN LEGISLATION IMPACTING COUNSELORS AND OUR CLIENTS
- House Bill 927, introduced in the Montana Legislature on March 29, 2025, aims to establish mandatory reporting requirements for certain professionals and officials who encounter individuals not lawfully present in the United States. HB 927 outlines a list of professionals mandated to report, including healthcare providers, educators, social workers, counselors and law enforcement officials. These individuals must promptly inform the Department of Justice if they become aware of someone's immigration status during their professional duties.
- House Bill 927 The House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing for HB 927 on:
- April 3rd, 2025, at 8:00 AM in Room 137 at the Montana State Capitol
- Senate Bill 525 The House Education Committee has scheduled a hearing for SB 525 on:
- April 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM in Room 137 at the Montana State Capitol.
You can track this legislation and find out the details of Montana legislation at:
https://citizenportal.ai/feeds/78062/2025-House-and-Senate-Bills/Montana-Legislation-Bills/Montana
All the ways you can participate in MT legislation and advocate for our profession and clients by visiting:
Testify in Person: In-person testimonies are highly impactful. If you’re able to attend, please come prepared to share your perspective. If you can't make it in person you can always testify via Zoom.
Submit Written Testimony: If you can’t testify in person (or virtually), consider submitting your testimony in writing to the committee.
PCA Montana is teaming up with the Montana Association of Social Workers to provide advocacy around behavioral health issues being addressess in this legislative session. Please check out the NASWMT page to find Key Bills being tracked this session. Resources for Taking Action
| SAMPLE LETTERS TO LEGISLATORS
I am writing to express my strong support for [Bill Number/Name], which is currently under consideration in the [legislative body, e.g., (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee, State Senate, State House, etc.]. This legislation is crucial for [briefly state the purpose or benefit of the bill]. By passing this bill, we can [mention a positive outcome or impact]. I urge you to vote in favor of [Bill Number/Name] and help make a positive difference in our community. Sample Oppose Bill Message: I am writing to express my strong opposition to [Bill Number/Name], which is currently under consideration in the [legislative body, e.g., (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee, State Senate, State House, etc.]. This legislation raises significant concerns because [briefly state the reasons or negative impacts of the bill]. Implementing this bill could [mention a potential negative outcome or consequence]. I urge you to vote against [Bill Number/Name] to protect the best interests of our community. |
Sample Support Bill Message: