House Bill No. [insert bill number] establishes the Child Care Workforce Recruitment and Retention Support Payment Program, aimed at addressing the challenges of recruitment and retention in Montana's child care sector. The program, administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, will provide financial support to eligible child-care facilities, including licensed day-care centers and registered family day-care homes. The funds can be used for various personnel costs, such as supplementing wages, providing signing and longevity bonuses, and covering benefits for child-care workers. Additionally, family day-care homes can utilize the funds for facility costs, equipment, professional development, and mental health support for children in care.

The bill includes an appropriation of $59.9 million from the general fund for each of the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, specifically designated for the eligible uses outlined in the bill. The distribution of funds will occur monthly, based on the number of child-care workers employed at each facility. The legislation is intended to be codified as part of Title 52, chapter 2, part 7, and will take effect on July 1, 2025.