MontanaSB 41269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Provide for fee waivers of government documents to former foster children

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Free IDs and licenses for former foster youth

If you were in foster care, left state custody at 18, and are under 21, you do not pay several document fees. The law waives: county certified birth certificates; state health department replacement birth certificates; driver’s license applications or renewals; $10 replacement driver’s licenses; and the $16 state ID card fee. You can say you qualify out loud. Offices cannot ask for more proof.

State reimbursement for waived fees with federal funds

The state health department can seek and use federal funds to repay agencies and schools for fees they waive. If no federal funds are received, the department does not have to reimburse. The department may set rules and forms to run the program. The law overrides usual unfunded-mandate limits for this program.

College transcript fees billed to state first

If you qualify as a former foster youth under 21 who aged out at 18, your Montana college must first bill the state health department for your transcript or academic record fee. The school can charge you only if the department certifies it cannot reimburse, or if it does not pay within 30 days.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Laura Smith
Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

Jodee Etchart
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 295 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 98 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/18/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/17/2025