HB 595 establishes a Montana correctional education program within the Department of Corrections, directly affecting inmates in state prisons by providing opportunities for high school equivalency and adult basic education. The bill outlines specific qualifications for instructors in these programs, requiring them to be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and possess an associate degree, bachelor's degree, a teaching certificate from another state, or prior teaching experience. It explicitly states that the Department of Corrections cannot require these instructors to hold a Montana teacher certificate. The Department of Corrections is authorized to adopt policies determining which inmates are eligible to participate.
HB 234 extends the period for using funds previously appropriated in 2023 for projects addressing lead in schools. The bill reappropriates specific funds, originally allocated under Section 5, Chapter 763, Laws of 2023, subsection (10). This ensures the appropriations remain available for their original purpose until they are fully spent or the related capital improvement projects are completed. This measure allows schools to continue utilizing these funds for lead remediation efforts without a set expiration date.
SB 37 revises school funding laws by clarifying how significant enrollment increases are calculated for state aid payments. The bill specifies that these calculations must be made separately for each budget unit within a school district. A district becomes eligible for additional funding if its current October enrollment count, converted to ANB, exceeds its budget limit ANB from three years prior by 110% or more. The Superintendent of Public Instruction determines the payment amount, which districts can accept fully or partially to address costs associated with the enrollment growth.
This bill clarifies how school districts count enrollment for funding purposes when children participate in early literacy jumpstart programs. It specifies that children in these programs are counted as quarter-time enrollment for a district's Average Number Belonging (ANB) calculation, which determines state funding. The bill also states that if a child attends a jumpstart program in a district other than their resident district, no out-of-district attendance agreement or tuition is required. Additionally, it outlines reporting requirements for districts on program efficacy and mandates the superintendent of public instruction to monitor and report on these interventions.
HB 260 revises the professional stipends paid to Montana teachers who hold a current National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification. The bill changes the stipend amounts from fixed dollar values to percentages of the state's quality educator payment, effectively providing an annual adjustment. Eligible full-time teachers in public schools, education cooperatives, and certain state facilities will receive a stipend of 50% of the quality educator payment, with those in high-poverty or impacted schools receiving 85%. The bill also adjusts the state's contribution percentages towards these stipends.
HB 28 clarifies operational rules for Montana's public charter schools, directly affecting new and existing charter schools and the Board of Public Education. It specifies that timeline requirements (like proposal deadlines) count as business days, exempts approved charters from standard school opening rules, and changes first-year funding: charter schools won't receive per-pupil "per-anb" funding, and basic funding will be based on planned enrollment with potential clawbacks if actual enrollment falls short. The bill also requires the Board to report charter school status to the Office of Public Instruction and county superintendents, and mandates annual performance reports comparing charter school outcomes to traditional public schools. These changes aim to streamline the charter school approval and funding process while ensuring accountability.
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.
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.
