Montana state legislators passed a flurry of major healthcare reform bills in the session that ended on May 2, including several behavioral health investments.
One bill prohibits some treatments for young people with gender dysphoria. That bill, as well as one allowing students to "deadname" or misgender other students, were both signed into law.
Five additional things to know from the Montana legislature's 68th session:
1. Lawmakers passed HB 101, which, if signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte, would allow behavioral health providers licensed in another state to practice in Montana.
2. Medicaid reimbursement rates were raised sharply.
3. The legislature passed a bill that, if signed by Mr. Gianforte, would block most patients with Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injuries or dementia from being involuntarily committed to the Montana State Hospital.
4. The state launched a $2.1 million grant for free mental health and substance abuse screenings, and same-day services for students assessed as being at high risk for suicide, for schools statewide.
5. Lawmakers passed HB 872, which would establish a $300 million behavioral health fund and create an allocation oversight commission. The bill awaits final approval by the governor.