State lawmakers are considering a million dollar loan repayment program to try to retain foster child caseworkers. Turnover is about 30 percent a year in these high-stress positions in Montana’s overburdened foster care system.

A new study says that the work requirements and other changes that Republicans are calling for in Montana’s Medicaid expansion program would result in a quarter to nearly half of participants losing their health care coverage.

Lawmakers reached a tentative deal Tuesday on a policy to report and investigate harassment, discrimination and retaliation involving lawmakers and legislative employees. A conference committee recommended lawmakers rejected a House proposal that the policy also apply to lobbyists, media and members of the public.

An optional fee increase on vehicle registrations that would help reduce a multi-million dollar maintenance backlog at state parks passed an initial vote in the Montana Senate today. The fees Montanans pay when registering vehicles would increase from $6 to $9 under Senate Bill 24 , although people could decline to pay the fee.

HELENA -- As Montana lawmakers consider overhauling the state’s DUI laws, the Montana Highway Patrol wants to dispel myths about blood alcohol levels. This week, the Highway Patrol hosted a demonstration with live intoxicated volunteers to show just how much alcohol it actually takes to be beyond legal limits.

The Montana Senate has passed a bill that would request that the Montana University System host workshops to help students better manage their debt. Senate Bill 87 , sponsored by Senator Keith Regier from Kalispell, is scheduled for the House Education Committee Wednesday.

Secretary of State Corey Stapleton was fined $4,000 Monday for violating state ethics laws. Stapleton misused state resources when sending a press release from the Secretary of State's Office announcing his bid for governor in 2020 , according to a decision signed by the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices.

Public school parents will soon have a new tool to see how their local school’s academic scores compare to others across the state. The first Every Student Succeeds Act report cards for high schools and elementary schools are expected in early to mid-March, according to a spokesperson at the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

Sen. Daines equates Democrats to Venezuelan socialists; Lawmakers hear a massive sales tax bill; And House Democrats take a not-so-subtle dig at Montana's U.S. Rep. Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels discuss these stories and more, right now on "Capitol Talk."

Publicly funded preschool is again up for debate in the state Legislature. Gov. Steve Bullock is pushing for more than $20 million to fund optional public pre-k for 4-year-olds. Bullock is also asking for $8 million to pay for preschool for Head Start programs and private providers. This is the last chance for Bullock to pass one of the top priorities of his administration before he terms out of office in 2020.