Education

HB 24 clarifies Montana's kindergarten instructional hour requirements, directly affecting public school districts and kindergarten programs. It specifies that half-time kindergarten must provide 360 hours and full-time kindergarten 720 hours annually, aligning with existing sections of Montana law (20-1-301, 20-7-117). The bill amends related statutes to ensure these hour requirements are explicitly defined for funding and compliance purposes. Signed into law by the Governor on April 7, 2025, it establishes clear standards for kindergarten programming without altering funding formulas or creating new penalties.

HB 18 redirects all revenue from bentonite mining taxes (collected after December 31, 2014) to a dedicated "school equalization and property tax relief account" instead of previous distribution rules. Specifically, 20.75% of this tax revenue must now fund school districts and reduce local property taxes, as amended in sections 15-39-110 and 20-9-331 of Montana law. The bill directly affects mineral producers who pay the tax and school districts that receive funding through the new account. This change applies to all bentonite mining revenue collected after 2014, shifting funds from prior county and state allocations to the equalization account.

HB 118 revises Montana's participation in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Section 20-1-230, MCA). It clarifies the Compact Commission's authority to set annual assessments based on the number of military-connected students in Montana and updates references to U.S. Code. The bill directly affects military children (K-12) and their families moving between states, as well as Montana schools and education agencies. Key mechanisms include standardizing enrollment processes, ensuring seamless transfer of education records, and supporting placement without disadvantage due to frequent moves or deployments. The changes aim to remove barriers to educational continuity for military-connected students across state lines.

HB 15 updates Montana's K-12 school funding formula to adjust for inflation by increasing specific dollar amounts annually. It directly affects all public school districts in Montana by raising base funding rates for high schools, elementary schools, and K-12 programs, including per-pupil payments for American Indian students and other targeted programs. Key provisions include annual increases for basic entitlements (e.g., $343,483 to $375,333 for high school districts by 2026) and adjustments to payments like the American Indian achievement gap ($235 to $256 per student). The bill amends existing law to ensure funding keeps pace with rising costs, effective starting with the 2024 fiscal year. The legislation was signed into law by the Governor on April 1, 2025.

HB 300 amends Montana law to prohibit educational institutions from allowing male students to participate in athletic programs designated for females or failing to provide access to gender-specific facilities like restrooms and locker rooms. It directly affects Montana schools and colleges by requiring compliance with these specific anti-discrimination rules. Key provisions include banning male participation in female sports teams and mandating access to facilities separated by sex, while allowing exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, ADA accommodations, and single-occupancy spaces. The law also clarifies that students may use another student's legal name or refer to their sex without violating the policy. This bill became effective after Governor's signature on March 27, 2025.

Senate Joint Resolution 7 is a non-binding resolution urging Montana's universities to support shooting sports as collegiate activities. It encourages the Montana University System to adopt shooting sports (such as trap, skeet, rifle, and pistol competitions) as intercollegiate sports, use university resources to facilitate these programs, and develop scholarships for student competitors. The resolution highlights Montana's tradition of firearm use and notes that current lack of such programs causes students to seek opportunities elsewhere. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a policy recommendation to university leaders.