The proposed bill 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 utilized for various personnel costs, such as supplementing wages, providing signing and longevity bonuses, and covering benefits for child-care workers.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific eligible uses for funds allocated to family day-care homes, which may also include facility costs, equipment purchases, professional development, and mental health support for children in care. The legislation appropriates $59.9 million from the general fund for each of the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, with the intention that these funds will be part of the ongoing budget for future legislative sessions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.