MT HB945

Creates the Early Childhood Education and Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Department of Commerce, with $10 million appropriated from the general fund for capital expenses related to constructing, renovating, or expanding child care facilities

Eligible applicants include licensed/registered child care facilities, school districts, Head Start agencies, and tribally operated centers; individuals and partnerships are ineligible

Grants of $50,000 or more require 1:1 matching funds from private sources; maximum grant per project is $500,000, and maximum funding per county is $700,000 with no more than two grants per county

Priority given to applicants in rural areas or child care deserts, programs serving 30 or fewer children, projects increasing infant care capacity, facilities offering nonstandard hours, and tribal child care program expansions

Effective July 1, 2025, and terminates June 30, 2031; Department may use up to 20% of funds for administrative costs