_____________ bill NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE BEST BEGINNINGS CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM; providing eligibility requirements; requiring a family copayment based on a sliding fee scale; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

NEW SECTION. Section 1. Best beginnings child care scholarship program. There is a best beginnings child care scholarship program administered by the department. The program is established to provide scholarships to qualified low-income families whose child receives care provided by a licensed child care provider or day-care facility.

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Family income eligibility requirements. A family may be eligible for a best beginnings child care scholarship if their family income does not exceed 85% of the state median income. The department shall determine the amount of the child care scholarship based on the income-eligible child's enrollment in child care. Each family shall participate in the cost of the child care by making a copayment based on a sliding-fee scale not to exceed 7% of the family's monthly income.

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Codification instruction. [Sections 1 and 2] are intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 52, chapter 2, part 7, and the provisions of Title 52, chapter 2, part 7, apply to [sections 1 and 2].

NEW SECTION. Section 4. Effective date. [This act] is effective July 1, 2023.