MT HB879

Legislative Finance Committee directed to study impacts of federal directives issued since January 20, 2025, on Montana citizens, governments, tribes, institutions, and businesses during the 2025-2026 interim

Study must examine loss of federal funding including the $628 million broadband equity grant, $64 million in Title I education funding, and approximately $5 million in National Institutes of Health research grants

Analysis required of federal workforce reductions affecting Montana, including approximately 400 U.S. Forest Service employees in-state, plus cuts at Veterans Affairs, National Park Service, Social Security Administration, and other agencies

$215,000 appropriated from the general fund; preliminary report due January 1, 2026, with final report due before September 1, 2026

Act effective July 1, 2025, and terminates December 31, 2026; void if passed without appropriation