On Monday, the Montana House of Representatives advanced a bill that would provide 3-month housing vouchers for paroled inmates who would not have a place to live otherwise.
Democratic Representative Margie MacDonald is sponsoring House Bill 25 and made her case for the proposal over the weekend.
“People remain in prison because they do not have the funding needed for deposit and rent to get a small apartment. The bill allows the Department of Corrections to issue a voucher for a prisoner who has received parole conditional on finding housing."
Republican Representative Clayton Fiscus opposed the bill because he says as a landlord, he has concerns over utility payments and possible eviction.
“This is well-intentioned, but it does not need to be codified in Montana law.”
House Bill 25 passed third reading in the House 60-39 and now moves on to the Senate for consideration there.?