The bill aims to expand the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program in Montana by providing scholarships not only to qualified low-income families but also to eligible child-care workers employed at licensed day-care centers or registered family or group day-care homes. The amendments to Sections 52-2-714 and 52-2-715 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) include the insertion of provisions that allow child-care workers to qualify for scholarships based on their employment status and engagement in eligible activities, while also specifying that income eligibility requirements for families do not apply to these workers.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $5.5 million from the general fund to the Department of Public Health and Human Services for each year of the biennium starting July 1, 2025, to support the expanded scholarship program. The effective date for the implementation of this act is also set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 52-2-714, 52-2-715
HB0456_1(1): 52-2-714, 52-2-715
HB0456_1: 52-2-714, 52-2-715