Bill > SB412

This bill provides fee waivers for certain government documents to former foster children under 21 years of age, helping to support their transition to adulthood. Specifically, the bill eliminates fees for services such as obtaining a certified birth certificate, replacing a birth certificate, applying for or renewing a driver's license, getting a replacement license, obtaining an identification card, and receiving academic transcripts. To be eligible, an individual must have been a foster child who is no longer in the custody of the Department of Public Health and Human Services due to turning 18, and must be under 21 years old. The bill allows these individuals to obtain these documents by providing only an oral attestation of their status, without requiring additional proof. The Department of Public Health and Human Services is authorized to seek federal funds to reimburse the entities that would normally collect these fees, but is not obligated to do so if such funds are not available. For university transcripts, there is a provision that allows the university to initially charge the fee to the department, with conditions for potential reimbursement. The bill also supersedes existing unfunded mandate laws and provides rulemaking authority to the Department of Public Health and Human Services to implement these changes.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1058