MT HB718

Establishes an Office of Reentry Services within the Montana Department of Labor and Industry to coordinate supportive services for individuals exiting incarceration

Office responsibilities include job training and placement, skilled-trade and apprenticeship programs, online certificate training, general/secondary education, entrepreneurship initiatives, transition planning, housing assistance, transportation, food security, and behavioral health coordination

Requires collaboration with six state agencies: Departments of Commerce, Corrections, Justice, and Public Health and Human Services, plus the Office of Commissioner of Higher Education and Office of Public Instruction

Mandates consultation with the Montana State Workforce Innovation Board and stakeholder outreach to business, mental health, substance use treatment, criminal justice advocacy, and housing sectors

Requires biennial reports to the Legislative Finance Committee and Law and Justice Interim Committee by July 1 before each legislative session, detailing services provided, costs, and number of individuals served; effective immediately upon passage