MT SB412

Former foster children aged 18-20 who left state custody upon turning 18 are exempt from fees for certified birth certificates, replacement birth certificates, driver's license applications and renewals, replacement licenses, and state identification cards.

Montana University System transcript fees for eligible former foster youth must first be billed to the Department of Public Health and Human Services for reimbursement; the fee may only be charged to the individual if DPHHS certifies inability to pay or fails to pay within 30 days.

Eligibility verification requires only an oral attestation from the applicant; agencies may not demand additional documentation beyond the verbal statement.

DPHHS is authorized to apply for and use federal funds designated for foster care transition to adulthood to reimburse agencies for waived fees, but reimbursement is not required if no federal funds are available.

The act expressly supersedes Montana's unfunded mandate laws (MCA 1-2-112 through 1-2-116).