Signed by Governor Steve Bullock

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services to close the Montana Developmental Center, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services to perform the following actions (Secs. 1 & 3):
• Develop and implement a plan to close the Montana Development Center (MDC) by June 30, 2017;
• Transfer funds to develop the services needed to move residents out of the MDC and into community-based services; and
• Transition most residents out of the MDC and into community-based services by December 31, 2016.

• Prohibits an individual from being committed to the MDC by a court or as an emergency admission after December 31, 2016 (Secs. 9 & 10).

• Establishes a transition planning committee to make recommendations and help the department carry out certain responsibilities, including, but not limited to, the following responsibilities (Sec. 2):
• Design and recommend to the department a plan to close the MDC and transition residents into community-based services;
• Identify potential sources of funding to support a proposed rate structure for the service providers; and
• Recommend community-based services and facilities necessary for the closure of the MDC.

Full Bill Text