39-12-106. Montana HELP Act employer grant program. (1) There is a Montana HELP Act employer grant program to encourage employers to hire or train program participants in skills that will allow them to:

(a) obtain new or improved employment;

(b) obtain employment with health care benefits;

(c) earn a wage that allows them to purchase their own health insurance coverage; or

(d) improve their long-term financial security.

(2) The department shall establish criteria for awarding grants. The criteria must take into consideration, at a minimum, the number of program participants affected and the likelihood that the proposed grant activity will improve:

(a) the chances that program participants will succeed in obtaining employment meeting the goals of subsection (1); or

(b) the financial security of program participants through efforts that include:

(i) financial and credit counseling; and

(ii) educational opportunities related to managing finances and setting and reaching financial goals.

(3) The department shall adopt rules establishing grant application, evaluation, and award criteria and processes.