Proposal would require Montana’s family support program to meet demand

Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services would adjust the program’s capacity to meet demand from all eligible families who apply. The requirement covers eligible applicants to the family education and support services program. The proposal also states a goal of serving a similar number of eligible families as in fiscal year 2016. The proposal would have taken effect July 1, 2025, required the capacity adjustment by July 1, 2026, and ended June 30, 2027. It did not become law.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services would report yearly to the legislative committee responsible for children, families, health, and human services. Reports would cover benefits to participating families, readiness to use future state health care programs, and group comparisons of families receiving services with those who do not. The reporting requirement would have applied from July 1, 2025, until the proposal ended June 30, 2027. It did not become law.