House advances grant program to fund public swimming pool construction and repairs
Summary
House Bill 313, creating a grant program for public swimming pool capital projects and equipment, passed second reading after amendments to expand tribal access, reduce administrative fees, and change the funding source.
The Montana House approved House Bill 313 on second reading, a bill to create a grant program for capital construction, maintenance and repair projects and equipment purchases related to public swimming pools.
Representative Tuss, the sponsor, told members the bill returned from appropriations in "better shape" and listed three substantive changes: (1) tribes are eligible to access funds; (2) the Department of Commerce's administrative fee was eliminated (removing a prior 3 percent admin assessment); and (3) the funding source was changed from the general fund to the capital development fund. The sponsor said the bill "allows appropriations to continue into the 2027 biennium."
No floor opposition was recorded during the presentation. The recorded vote on second reading was 64 in favor and 36 opposed, and the bill was passed to the next stage.
The bill provides program parameters, an appropriation, and reporting duties for administering agencies; specifics of application, award prioritization, and program rules are to be developed by the department charged with program administration.
