Education

vetoed · Montana · House Jul 23, 2025

HB 628: Revise early literacy targeted intervention laws

HB 628 updates Montana's early literacy program to include broader academic skills ("scholastic literacy") and adjusts enrollment rules for school districts. It allows districts to enroll up to one student already meeting grade-level reading/math expectations ("on-target") for every three students needing intervention in classroom or Jumpstart programs. The bill directly affects kindergarten through 3rd-grade students in Montana public schools identified as below reading/math proficiency, with school districts using state-approved assessments to determine eligibility. Key changes include expanding the program's scope beyond basic reading and modifying enrollment ratios to better align student needs with available support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationUpdates early literacy program to include broader academic skills and adjusts enrollment rules to better serve students needing intervention, strengthening K-3 literacy support.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

vetoed · Montana · House Jul 15, 2025

HB 861: Provide statewide access to a K-12 digital toolkit

HB 861 allocates $1.1 million annually to Montana's Office of Public Instruction and $750,000 to the Department of Labor and Industry for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The funds will provide statewide access to a K-12 digital toolkit containing state standards-aligned instructional materials across all subjects, including career and technical education resources aligned with Montana industry needs. This bill directly affects Montana public schools and students by expanding access to digital learning tools. It establishes a permanent funding base for these resources, effective July 1, 2025, though it was vetoed and not enacted.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $1.85M annually for K-12 digital toolkit, directly funding public education services under state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $1.85M for statewide K-12 digital toolkit funding standards-aligned materials, expanding educational access and resources for Montana schools.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds K-12 digital toolkit with state-aligned instructional materials, directly advancing educational technology access and resources.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

signed · Montana · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 499: Extend the grow your own grant program

HB 499 extends Montana's Grow Your Own Grant Program through 2029 (previously ending in 2027) and expands eligibility to include postsecondary institutions like universities and tribal colleges. The bill allows these institutions to receive grants to develop teacher training pathways, removes a requirement to convert student grants into loans if recipients don't teach in shortage areas, and revises credit requirements for high school students. It directly affects rural and reservation school districts facing teacher shortages, postsecondary institutions developing education programs, and students pursuing teaching careers through the program. The legislation includes a $500,000 appropriation for the 2025-2027 biennium to support these expanded grant opportunities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends state grant program funding for teacher training, directly increasing appropriations for education under subject 'Appropriations'.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends grant program through 2029, expands eligibility to universities/tribal colleges for teacher training, removes loan conversion requirement, and revises credit requirements - directly advancing education funding and access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

signed · Montana · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 5: Long-range building appropriations

HB 5 appropriates over $30 million for major repair and capital development projects across Montana state facilities, including universities, health departments, and government buildings, for the 2023-2025 biennium. It funds specific upgrades like roof replacements, heating system repairs, fire safety improvements, and electrical system modernizations at locations such as Montana State University campuses, the Department of Health facilities, and state prisons. The bill increases the value threshold for certain projects from $150,000 to $300,000 and authorizes transfers between state fund accounts to support these repairs. It directly affects state agencies managing public infrastructure by providing dedicated funding for essential maintenance and safety upgrades. The bill was enacted on June 19, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds university infrastructure repairs (Montana State University campuses), directly supporting higher education facilities per bill summary.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

vetoed · Montana · House Jun 19, 2025

HB 456: Provide best beginnings scholarships to child care workers

This bill expands Montana's Best Beginnings scholarship program to provide direct financial aid to child-care workers employed at licensed day-care centers or registered family/group day-care homes. It removes standard income eligibility requirements for these workers (previously only applied to families) and allocates $5.5 million annually from the general fund starting July 2025 to fund these scholarships. The program now specifically supports child-care workers through this new funding stream, separate from the existing family-focused scholarship component.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $5.5M annually from general fund to fund child-care worker scholarships, increasing state spending on public workforce support program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds scholarships for child-care workers (early education workforce), expanding access to educational support and strengthening the sector through dedicated $5.5M annual appropriation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

vetoed · Montana · House Jun 19, 2025

HB 340: Establish Montana's BEST program to bolster educator support and training

HB 340 would have created Montana's BEST (Bolstering Educators' Support and Training) program to support teachers in their first three years of teaching. It required pairing new teachers with experienced mentors, providing $2,500 stipends for mentors and $600 stipends for new teachers (with $300 contributed by their school district), and allocating $1 million annually from state funds. The program aimed to improve teacher retention and student outcomes through structured training, regional gatherings, and data collection, with special focus on "impacted schools" as defined in existing law. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on June 19, 2025, so it did not become law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $1 million annually from state funds for educator support program, directly increasing public education funding under appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides $1M annual funding for teacher mentorship stipends ($2.5K mentors, $600 new teachers) to improve retention and outcomes95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

died · Montana · House Jun 9, 2025

HB 339: Fund 6th graders in middle school at high school ANB rates along with 7th and 8th graders

HB 339 would change Montana's school funding formula to provide 6th graders in accredited middle schools with the same per-pupil funding rate as 7th and 8th graders - currently, 6th graders receive lower elementary school funding. The bill amends Montana Code Sections 20-9-306 and 20-9-311 to eliminate this disparity, directly affecting school districts operating middle schools with 6th graders. It aims to align funding with accreditation standards, enabling middle schools to offer expanded programs like career and technical education. The policy change would adjust state education funding calculations for these districts without altering school structures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases per-pupil funding for 6th graders in middle schools by aligning with higher middle school rates, directly advancing school budget allocation per amended statutes.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases per-pupil funding for 6th graders in middle schools to match 7th/8th grade rates, eliminating lower elementary funding disparity per accreditation standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HJ 63: Request interim study on early literacy

House Joint Resolution 63 (HJ 63) requested an interim study to explore ways to improve early literacy and numeracy for schoolchildren in Montana. The study aimed to involve collaboration with various educational groups, parents, and national experts to develop a better understanding of evidence-based curriculum and instruction for children aged 4 through 3rd grade. It also sought to examine the impact of early literacy and numeracy initiatives, including parental involvement, and improve assessment and data systems. The final results of this study were intended to be reported to the 70th Legislature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill requests study to improve early literacy/numeracy for K-3, aiming to develop evidence-based curriculum and enhance educational outcomes through collaboration.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HB 361: Provide funding to school districts for English language learners

House Bill 361 sought to establish state funding for school districts serving English language learners and provide professional stipends for their teachers. It proposed state matching funds for public school districts that receive federal subgrants for programs supporting students with limited English proficiency. The bill also aimed to provide annual stipends of up to $500 for qualified teachers holding specific certifications in English as a Second Language or culturally and linguistically diverse education. Teachers meeting these qualifications and working in high-poverty or impacted schools could receive an enhanced stipend of up to $1,000, with both the state and school districts contributing to these payments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funding for ELL programs and teacher stipends under school finance appropriations, directly advancing budgetary support for education services.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides state funding for ESL programs and $500 teacher stipends, directly advancing educational support for language learners and teachers in K-12 schools.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationFunds ELL programs, directly supporting immigrant students' educational access and integration, aligning with 'provides immigrant services' indicator.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HB 557: Revise education laws related to PIR days and meetings of teacher organizations

HB 557 would revise Montana education laws to limit how schools can use teacher professional development days. Specifically, it prohibits using "pupil-instruction-related days" (PIR days) for attending state teacher organization meetings, removes the requirement for school boards to close schools for these annual meetings, and changes attendance policies so teachers who skip these meetings may not be paid. The bill directly affects public school teachers, school districts, and the state's education funding structure by altering how professional development time is structured and compensated. These changes would have taken effect July 1, 2025, but the bill died in committee on May 22, 2025.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts teacher meeting attendance by eliminating PIR day use for organization meetings and allowing non-payment for absences, limiting professional development opportunities.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Education

Track