Summary — HJ 28 (2025): Interim study to identify and improve access to federal grant opportunities for the state of Montana, tribal governments, and local government entities
Overview / Purpose
HJ 28 is a joint resolution that establishes an interim legislative study to identify and improve Montana’s access to federal grant opportunities. The study’s stated focus (in the bill title) is to review how the State of Montana, tribal governments, and local government entities obtain and use federal grants and to develop recommendations to increase successful application, award, and utilization of those federal funds.
Key provisions (scope and likely tasks)
The full text of the resolution is not provided here. Based on the bill title and typical interim-study practice, HJ 28 directs a legislative interim study with tasks that generally include some or all of the following:
- Inventory existing federal grant programs relevant to Montana state agencies, tribal governments, and local governments.
- Identify barriers (administrative, technical, informational, statutory, or capacity-related) that limit access to federal grants.
- Assess state, tribal, and local capacity to apply for and manage federal grants (staffing, matching funds, compliance).
- Develop strategies to increase awareness, coordination, and competitiveness for federal grant funding (training, central clearinghouse, technical assistance, grant-writing support, intergovernmental coordination).
- Produce recommendations for legislative or administrative actions to improve uptake and management of federal funds.
Note: Consult the resolution text for the exact charge, membership, deliverables, and reporting deadlines.
Who is affected
- State of Montana executive agencies and departments that apply for federal grants.
- Montana tribal governments and tribal entities seeking federal funding.
- County and municipal governments and local special districts.
- Nonprofit partners, regional development organizations, and institutions that partner on grant-funded projects.
- The Legislature and relevant interim committees that will receive the study’s findings and recommendations.
Procedural history / timeline (selected milestones)
- Introduced: January 24, 2025
- Committee referrals and activity: Referred to Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs and later to House Business & Labor and Senate Energy, Technology & Federal Relations; public hearing held Feb 13, 2025.
- House actions: Passed 3rd Reading April 17, 2025; sent to Senate April 29, 2025.
- Senate actions: Referred to committee, reported and concurred in late April 2025.
- Enrollment and final steps: Returned from enrolling April 30, 2025; signed by House Speaker April 30/May 2 and by Senate President May 6, 2025; filed with Secretary of State May 6, 2025.
- Administrative support: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis for review (Feb–Mar 2025).
- Related bill: LC 2825 (replaces)
Potential impact
If implemented, the study could produce actionable recommendations for improving Montana’s success in securing federal grant dollars, increasing funding available for infrastructure, public safety, health, economic development, and other state and local priorities. Potential outcomes include improved coordination, capacity-building supports, administrative changes, and new legislative proposals to facilitate access to federal funds. The specific fiscal implications will depend on the study’s recommendations and any subsequent legislation.
For precise duties, membership, deadlines, and required reports to the Legislature, consult the enrolled text of HJ 28 or the legislative office that drafted the resolution.
