MT SJ41

Requests the Children, Families, Health, and Human Services Interim Committee conduct a study on home-based and family child-care providers, with focus on rural Montana and child-care deserts

Study must explore ways to create sustainable, long-term development of home-based child-care providers and streamline licensure and regulation requirements

Committee directed to investigate barriers to providing and accessing home-based day care and draft legislation to codify licensure regulations in statute

Study deadline is September 15, 2026, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature

Addresses shortage of quality child care in rural areas where families eligible for Best Beginnings scholarships lack access to registered or licensed providers