Bill aims to close religious loophole for troubled teen programs in Montana
CAMERON EVANS The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety committee will hold a hearing and listen to testimony on Senate Bill 312, which would remove a licensing exemption for private alternative residential or outdoor programs operating as an adjunct of a Montana-based ministry. Currently, residential treatment programs in Montana can house troubled children and teens without any state oversight if the program claims a tie to a religious organization. Sen. Diane Sands, D-Missoula, said she planned to introduce the bill after religious programs were excluded from legislation she...