This bill aims to alleviate financial burdens for former foster children under the age of 21 by waiving fees for essential government documents. Specifically, it proposes that individuals who have aged out of foster care will not incur charges for obtaining certified copies of birth certificates, driver's licenses, identification cards, and academic records from the Montana university system, with the exception of academic records if reimbursement is not feasible within a specified timeframe. The bill also empowers the department of public health and human services to seek federal funds to cover these waived fees and allows the department to establish rules for implementation.

Additionally, the legislation amends existing laws to ensure that no fees are charged for applications or renewals of driver's licenses or motorcycle endorsements for eligible former foster children. It also eliminates fees for replacement licenses and identification cards for this demographic, thereby promoting easier access to essential identification. The bill includes provisions that override existing unfunded mandate laws and provides guidance for codification within Title 52, chapter 2, ultimately supporting the transition of former foster children into independent adulthood.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-4-2631, 20-25-515, 50-15-111, 61-5-111, 61-5-114, 61-12-504