MT HB360

Creates a Child Care Workforce Recruitment and Retention Support Payment Program administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services to help child-care facilities recruit and retain qualified workers

Appropriates $59.9 million from the general fund for each fiscal year (FY 2026 and FY 2027), totaling $119.8 million over the biennium, with intent for ongoing base funding

Eligible facilities include licensed day-care centers, registered group day-care homes, and registered family day-care homes, with payments distributed monthly based on the number of full-time and part-time child-care workers employed

Day-care centers and group day-care homes must use funds exclusively for personnel costs including wage supplements, benefits, signing bonuses, and longevity bonuses

Family day-care homes may use funds for personnel costs plus facility costs, equipment, professional development, and mental health support for children in care