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Bill Summary · HJ 66

HJ 66 — Study resolution on impact of federal funding changes on DPHHS

Overview / Purpose

HJ 66 is a legislative study resolution that would have directed an interim study of how recent or anticipated changes in federal funding affect the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). As a study resolution (joint resolution), HJ 66 did not itself change statute or appropriate funds; its intent was to gather information to inform future legislation, budgeting, and administrative planning related to health and human services programs that rely on federal funding.

Key provisions (intended content)

The bill text is not included in the record provided. Based on the title and standard practice for study resolutions, HJ 66 likely would have:

  • Established an interim study or directed an existing interim committee to examine the impact of federal funding changes on DPHHS.
  • Specified the scope to include major federally funded programs administered by DPHHS (for example Medicaid/Medicaid expansion, behavioral health grants, SNAP-related administration, public health emergency funds, block grants, and other federal grants or matching programs).
  • Directed analysis of fiscal impacts to the state budget (changes to federal match rates, grant expirations, or reauthorization changes) and downstream effects on services and providers.
  • Called for identification of programmatic or administrative risks (service reductions, provider capacity, compliance issues) and possible state policy or funding responses.
  • Required a report to the Legislature by a set date with findings and recommendations.

Because HJ 66 is a study resolution, it would not itself appropriate state funds or alter program eligibility.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: DPHHS — its budgeting, program administration, and planning.
  • Secondary: recipients of DPHHS-administered programs (Medicaid beneficiaries, behavioral health clients, nutrition assistance clients), health and human service providers, county partners, and the state general fund and budget planners.
  • Legislative policymakers seeking data to craft statutory or budgetary responses.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced in the House: 2025-04-18 (drafting activity began 2024-11-16).
  • House actions: Referred to Human Services; passed 2nd and 3rd readings; committee report adopted; transmitted to Senate on 2025-04-25.
  • Senate actions: First reading 2025-04-28; referred to Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety; public hearing 2025-04-28; tabled in committee; ultimately listed as "Died in Standing Committee" on 2025-05-22.
  • Sponsor: Senator (SJ) Howell (primary).
  • Related bill: LC 1546 (replaces).

Potential impact and significance

If enacted, the study could have provided a structured, evidence-based appraisal of how shifts in federal funding would affect state health programs and finances, producing recommendations to guide appropriation decisions, contingency planning, or statutory changes. Because HJ 66 died in the Senate standing committee, no formal interim study under this resolution proceeded and no official report from this resolution will inform the 2025–2026 interim legislative work unless picked up by another resolution or committee.

Notes and limitations

  • The summary infers typical elements of a study resolution from the bill title and procedural record; the actual bill text was not provided.
  • As a joint resolution study (rather than a statute), HJ 66 would not have directly changed program eligibility, rates, or appropriations.

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

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