House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise the family income eligibility requirements for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program in Montana. The bill amends Section 52-2-715 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) by changing the qualifying income threshold from 185% of the federal poverty level to 85% of the state median income for each family size. Additionally, it maintains that the maximum qualifying income level must not exceed the limits set by the federal child care and development block grant.

Furthermore, the bill includes an appropriation of $17 million from the general fund to the Department of Public Health and Human Services for each year of the biennium starting July 1, 2025, specifically for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program. The legislature also expresses its intent for this appropriation to be considered part of the ongoing base for future legislative sessions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 52-2-715
HB0457_1(1): 52-2-715
HB0457_1(2): 52-2-715
HB0457_1(3): 52-2-715
HB0457_1: 52-2-715