Bill > HJ69

This joint resolution requests the Legislative Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential impacts of federal funding changes on Montana's Department of Military Affairs (DMA). The resolution highlights that the DMA currently relies heavily on federal funding, with 79.3% of its budget coming from federal sources and 252.66 full-time equivalent positions funded partially or fully by federal dollars. The study will focus on reviewing federal directives affecting the DMA since January 20, 2025, and analyzing their implications for agency operations, budgets, personnel, and program sustainability. The Legislative Finance Committee will examine how potential revenue losses might affect the department's functionality and overall operations, including impacts on programs like the Youth ChalleNGe Academy, STARBASE, Army and Air National Guard, and Disaster and Emergency Services. The committee is required to present its findings to various interim committees and report the final results, including recommendations, to the 70th Legislature before September 15, 2026, with the ultimate goal of helping state policymakers understand and potentially mitigate the consequences of federal funding changes.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3586