Resolution in support of instruction in reading and writing in cursive
HJ 36 is a non-binding resolution encouraging Montana's public school districts to provide cursive writing instruction to students, primarily affecting K-12 students and school administrators. It urges schools to introduce cursive as early as developmentally appropriate and maintain exposure throughout a student's education, citing cognitive benefits and the importance of reading historical documents like the Declaration of Independence. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with education officials but does not mandate or fund cursive instruction. It died in committee in May 2025 and remains a symbolic gesture, not a law.
Bill status
died
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 28, 2025
Last action May 22, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
LC3379.pdf
→
HJ0036_1.pdf
·
3 edits
MINOR
The bill was converted from a Senate-only bill (LC 3379) to a Joint Resolution (HJ 36), requiring introduction by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The substantive policy language regarding the encouragement of cursive writing instruction in Montana schools remains unchanged, but the procedural change allows the bill to proceed through the full legislative process.
Scope change
The bill's scope of applicability to Montana school districts remains the same, but its legislative scope expanded to require approval from both chambers of the state legislature.
PROCEDURAL
The bill type changed from a Senate-only measure to a Joint Resolution, requiring sponsorship by members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
A list of specific sponsors was added to the resolution, identifying the legislators who introduced the bill.
The original Senate-only designation and blank sponsor lines were removed.
Floor votes · House Apr 5, 2025
How they voted
77–21
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 100
Apr 5, 2025
D
Democratic42
52% Yea
R
Republican58
94% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
29
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Amendments
1
Apr 16, 2025
Amended
(S) Tabled in Committee - (S) Education and Cultural Resources
upper
Apr 7, 2025
Committee
(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Education and Cultural Resources
upper
Apr 5, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (77-21-2)
house
Apr 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Report - (H) Education
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Executive Action - (H) Education
lower
Mar 29, 2025
Committee
(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Education
lower
Mar 28, 2025
Introduced
(H) Introduced
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Zack Wirth
RRepublican
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