Establish the child care workforce recruitment and retention support payment program

This bill establishes a new program in Montana to help child care facilities recruit and keep qualified staff by providing financial support payments. Administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the program allocates $59.9 million for each of the fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to eligible licensed day care centers, group day care homes, and family day care homes. Payments are distributed monthly based on the number of workers employed and can be used for wage supplements, benefits, signing bonuses, longevity bonuses, facility costs, equipment, professional development, and mental health support for children in family day care homes. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2025, and designates the funding as part of the ongoing base for future legislative sessions.