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69th Legislature HJ 66.1
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 66
1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 66
2 INTRODUCED BY S. HOWELL
3
4 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
5 MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF THE IMPACTS OF FEDERAL FUNDING CHANGES ON
6 THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; AND REQUIRING THAT THE RESULTS
7 OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.
8
9 WHEREAS, the federal government has recently made changes or has signaled potential changes to
10 federal funding provided to states; and
11 WHEREAS, the Department of Public Health and Human Services budget is funded 31.7% by state
12 dollars and 68.3% by federal dollars; and
13 WHEREAS, the Department of Public Health and Human Services currently has 2,012.27 full-time
14 equivalent positions that are funded fully or partially using federal dollars; and
15 WHEREAS, the Department of Public Health and Human Services has numerous programs, including
16 the Disability Employment and Transitions Division, Human and Community Services Division, Child and Family
17 Services Division, Director’s Office, Child Support Services Division, Business and Financial Services Division,
18 Public Health and Safety Division, Office of Inspector General, Technology Services Division, Medicaid and
19 Health Services Practice, Operations Services Division, Senior and Long-Term Care Services Division, Early
20 Childhood and Family Support Division, and Health Care Facilities Division programs, that rely on federal
21 funding or receive a federal match to operate and remain viable; and
22 WHEREAS, the impact of changes to federal funding may necessitate significant actions by Montana's
23 Executive and Legislative branches, including the replacement of lost funding, the development or modification
24 of programs or structures that are being reduced or eliminated through federal directives, the adjustment of
25 budgets, and the provision of assistance to the many state employees whose positions are funded using federal
26 dollars and who may lose employment.
27
28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
69th Legislature HJ 66.1
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 66
1 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
2 That the Legislative Council be requested to designate the Legislative Finance Committee established
3 in section 5-12-201, MCA, to:
4 (1) review the federal directives made since January 20, 2025, that affect the Department of Public
5 Health and Human Services and analyze the impact on Montana citizens and on local, tribal, and state
6 government programs, including but not limited to the impacts on:
7 (a) agency operations and budgets;
8 (b) agency functions as a result of any reduction in personnel due to a loss of federal funding; and
9 (c) sustainment of programs operated by the agency that utilize federal funding;
10 (2) analyze how the loss of revenue may result in a loss of agency operations and overall
11 functionality; and
12 (3) analyze how a reduction in the federal workforce may impact the Department of Public Health
13 and Human Services in relation to project operation and other functions.
14 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee present findings to appropriate interim committees,
15 including policy committees, the Modernization and Risk Analysis Committee, and interim budget committees.
16 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
17 requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
18 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
19 comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature.
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