Bill > HB835

This bill extends Montana's At-Home Infant Care Program by modifying key provisions of an existing law to allow families to receive assistance for a longer period and with slightly adjusted parameters. Specifically, the bill increases the age limit for infants from 2 to 3 years and extends the total potential assistance period from 24 to 36 months. Families remain eligible if they meet certain criteria, including being at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, working a specified number of hours per month (varying by family type), and having a parent who is at least 18 years old or has completed secondary education. The bill also appropriates $2 million from the general fund to the Department of Public Health and Human Services to support the program for each year of the 2025-2027 biennium, with legislative intent to consider this funding as part of the ongoing base budget. The program provides financial assistance to low-income families where a parent provides full-time care for their infant, with the goal of supporting family stability and child development. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0754