Bill > SJ41

This bill requests the Legislative Council to designate the Children, Families, Health, and Human Services Interim Committee to conduct a comprehensive study on home-based and family child-care providers in Montana, with a particular focus on rural areas and regions with limited childcare options. The committee will explore ways to create sustainable support for these providers, streamline their licensure and regulation processes, and investigate barriers to establishing and accessing home-based daycare. The bill specifically calls for the committee to draft legislation that will clearly outline the licensure and regulation of home-based and family day-care providers, making this information easily accessible. The study is to be completed by September 15, 2026, with final results and recommendations to be reported to the 70th Legislature. The underlying motivation for this bill stems from recognizing the critical importance of quality childcare, especially in rural Montana, where many families struggle to find registered or licensed providers, and understanding the benefits of home-based care such as personalized attention, stable caregiver relationships, and economic opportunities for providers.

Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2742