Bill > SB194

This bill eliminates the Board of Public Assistance and transfers its appeals-related responsibilities directly to the department. Specifically, the bill amends existing law to remove references to the Board of Public Assistance and replace them with the department, which will now be responsible for handling fair hearing requests from applicants or recipients of public assistance programs like food stamps, cash assistance, non-financial assistance, and Medicaid. The bill repeals the section of Montana Code that established the Board of Public Assistance and includes a transition provision ensuring that any appeals filed with the board before the effective date will still be resolved by the board. The board will remain operational until these existing appeals are completed, and if a vacancy occurs during this time, it will be filled according to the existing rules. The bill does not affect any rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that were already in progress before its effective date. Most provisions of the bill will become effective upon passage, with the formal repeal of the board section taking effect on October 1, 2025, and the new appeals procedures applying to appeals filed on or after the effective date.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1887