Interim study of child care

This joint resolution (LC 831) requests an interim study on Montana's child care system, directly affecting parents seeking care and day-care providers. The study will examine barriers like limited availability, high costs, quality concerns, and regulatory challenges for providers (including licensing and business stability), while comparing Montana's policies to neighboring states. The committee must report findings to the 70th Legislature by September 2026, with recommendations to improve access and affordability. This is a procedural step to inform future legislation, not a policy change itself.