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Bill

SB 526

Establish the community health aide provider education grant program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathan Windy Boy

Montana bill would have created education grants for community health aide providers to expand rural healthcare workforce capacity, but died in the legislative process.

(S) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · SB 526

Legislative bill overview

SB 526 would have established a grant program in Montana to fund education and training for community health aide providers (CHAPs)—healthcare workers who deliver primary care services in underserved areas. The bill aimed to increase the supply of trained community health aides through financial support for their educational programs.

Why is this important

Community health aides are critical for healthcare access in rural and remote Montana communities where physician shortages are acute. By subsidizing their education, the bill sought to address workforce gaps and improve healthcare availability in areas that struggle to attract traditional medical professionals.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal cost: A fiscal note was generated, suggesting budgetary concerns about the grant program's expense during a period of tight state finances
  • Program design specifics: Questions likely arose about grant eligibility criteria, funding levels, and which educational institutions would administer training
  • Sustainability: Unclear how a temporary grant program would create lasting workforce solutions or whether funded aides would remain in Montana communities long-term

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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