House Joint Resolution No. 66, introduced by S. Howell, requests an interim study to assess the impacts of recent and potential changes to federal funding on the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). The resolution highlights that DPHHS is significantly reliant on federal funding, with 68.3% of its budget sourced from federal dollars, and employs over 2,000 full-time equivalent positions that are funded either fully or partially by these federal resources. The study aims to evaluate how changes in federal funding could affect agency operations, budgets, personnel, and the sustainability of various programs that depend on federal support.

The resolution tasks the Legislative Finance Committee with reviewing federal directives affecting DPHHS since January 20, 2025, and analyzing their implications for Montana citizens and government programs. The committee is expected to examine the potential loss of agency operations, the impact of reduced personnel due to funding cuts, and the overall functionality of the department. Findings from this study are to be presented to relevant interim committees and must be completed by September 15, 2026, with a final report to be submitted to the 70th Legislature.