Veterans (Veteran Housing)

This bill creates a grant program in Montana to help local governments and nonprofit organizations expand shelter capacity for homeless individuals. The program provides state matching funds to projects serving seniors, veterans, domestic violence survivors, youth aging out of foster care, and people with mental health or substance use disorders. To receive funding, applicants must submit a detailed collaboration plan and show they have their own matching funds, while the state prioritizes projects that reach diverse communities and fill service gaps. The $2 million appropriation is available for two years starting July 1, 2025, with the department required to report results to the legislature by August 2026.

This bill changes the composition of Montana's Board of Housing by requiring that at least one member be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe and at least one member be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces. The legislation amends state law to mandate these specific qualifications when the governor appoints the seven-member board, which currently requires members to have expertise in housing, economics, or finance. The bill does not alter the board's existing powers or administrative structure but adds diversity requirements to its membership. This change ensures that tribal and veteran perspectives are formally represented on the board that oversees housing programs in the state.

HB 310 proposed establishing a state matching grant program to increase community shelter capacity for the homeless population. Administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, these grants would help local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations. The funds would specifically target services for senior citizens, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, youth transitioning from foster care, and individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. Applicants would be required to provide matching funds and collaborate with existing homelessness service providers. The bill appropriated $2 million from the general fund for the program, which was set to operate from July 2025 to June 2027.