House Bill No. introduced by S. Howell aims to appropriate funds for the rapid rehousing of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Montana. The bill establishes a new section that outlines the purpose of the act, which is to supplement federal funds from the emergency solutions grant program. It specifies that the funds appropriated to the Department of Public Health and Human Services can only be used for rapid rehousing assistance as defined by federal regulations. Additionally, the bill mandates that the funds must be distributed similarly to existing emergency solutions grant funds, with specific provisions for rental assistance rates and income eligibility.

The bill includes an appropriation of $1 million for each fiscal year of the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to be allocated for the purposes outlined in the act. It also stipulates that all appropriated funds must be distributed by the end of each fiscal year. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.