House Bill No. [insert bill number] establishes a grant program aimed at increasing community shelter capacity to support the homeless population in Montana. The bill outlines that the Department of Commerce will provide state matching grants at a one-to-one ratio to eligible applicants, which include local governments and nonprofit organizations. The funding will prioritize projects that serve specific vulnerable groups, such as individuals with mental health needs, homeless families with children, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and youth transitioning out of foster care. The bill also sets criteria for grant applications, emphasizing collaboration with existing service providers and the need for matching funds.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund to the Department of Commerce for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to support the grant program. It mandates the department to adopt rules for the application process and grant criteria, and it requires a report on the program's results to the Economic Affairs interim committee by August 30, 2026. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will terminate on June 30, 2027. Notably, the bill replaces references to the Department of Public Health and Human Services with the Department of Commerce and introduces a detailed scoring system for grant applications based on various priorities.