SB 94 prohibits Montana public employers from using public funds or resources for labor organization activities, directly affecting public sector workers like teachers and school staff. It bans contributions of public money to unions or paid leave for union work, but allows unpaid time off for such activities and permits using accrued personal leave under specific conditions. The bill requires unions to cover costs for paid leave used in union activities through annual invoices to public employers and mandates reporting on time spent on union-related work. These changes aim to limit public funding for union operations while establishing clear administrative procedures.
SB 351 limits Montana local governments' ability to save ("bank") property tax authority for certain state-mandated tax programs. It specifically amends property tax law to prevent local entities from carrying forward unused mill authority (tax rate allowances) for taxes imposed under statutes 20-9-331, 20-9-333, 20-9-360, and 20-25-439. This change directly affects counties, cities, and school districts that rely on these specific state tax programs, requiring them to use their full annual tax authority each year rather than saving it for future use. The bill’s key provision removes these programs from the existing rule that allows governments to carry forward unused tax authority to future years.
SB 159 would create an "Educational Opportunity Fund" within Montana's coal severance tax trust. It increases the annual cap on educational tax credits from $2 million to $5 million starting in 2024, with automatic annual increases of 20% plus 50% of fund earnings. This bill directly affects taxpayers who donate to school districts for innovative programs or to scholarship organizations, allowing them to claim larger tax credits. It also removes the previous sunset provision, making the credit program permanent. The bill amends existing tax code sections to implement these changes to educational funding.
SB 299 requires Montana school districts to adopt policies ensuring parents have full access to their child's education records and must obtain written parental consent before certain instruction or presentations. It mandates at least 5 days' notice and consent for specific educational content, creates procedures for parents to object to lessons, and establishes a process for filing complaints about school practices. The bill amends Montana Code sections 40-6-701, 703, and 707 to strengthen parental rights regarding education, health records, and school activities, while allowing the Attorney General to sue districts for violations. These changes directly affect parents, school boards, and school districts by altering how schools communicate with and seek permission from families.
SB 215 revises Montana's public school funding system by redefining the "basic system of free quality public schools" to explicitly include open enrollment, student achievement tracking, and transparency in spending. It requires the legislature to consider specific factors when setting funding - such as student needs (including special education, English learners, and American Indian students), school density, and teacher retention - while mandating that funding follows students across district lines during open enrollment. The bill also directs the funding formula to use current-year enrollment data, include annual cost-of-living adjustments, and clearly show how funds impact student outcomes. These changes apply to all public school districts in Montana, aiming to make funding more equitable and accountable.
SB 549 would have provided Montana taxpayers with a $1,250 annual income tax credit for eligible K-12 education expenses paid for children in public schools. It directly affected parents, guardians, and teachers of public school students by covering costs like tuition, textbooks, online learning programs, educational therapies, and school supplies. The credit would apply to expenses paid to public schools or specific accredited/non-accredited providers (with disclosure), but could not exceed a taxpayer’s total tax liability. The bill aimed to offset rising education costs for families in Montana’s public education system. (Note: This bill died in committee in May 2025 and did not become law.)
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.
HB 284 establishes the Montana University System Investigation Committee, composed of six legislators. This committee is tasked with investigating civil rights violations and acts of censorship within the Montana University System. It will gather testimony from students about their experiences or observations at public universities and colleges. The committee will then make findings and recommendations, which will be reported to various state and federal officials. The bill appropriates $13,500 for committee expenses and the committee will conclude its work by December 31, 2026.
SB 253 revises the administrative and certification processes for student scholarship organizations (SSOs) in Montana. The bill requires SSOs to apply for certification from the Department of Revenue and outlines specific requirements they must meet to be certified and accept tax-credit eligible donations. It mandates that SSOs allocate at least 90% of their annual revenue from eligible donations for scholarships and ensures a parent's right to select an education provider. The legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability for these organizations.
HB 553, titled "Generally revise military higher education act," updates laws related to higher education for military members. It requires faculty at educational institutions to provide eligible students with a make-up opportunity for coursework, assignments, exams, or finals missed due to inactive duty training or annual training. Faculty must give at least 15 business days for students to complete this make-up work, consistent with accreditation requirements. The bill also defines "inactive duty training" and "annual training" to support these provisions, affecting members of the U.S. armed forces reserve components or the Montana national guard enrolled in higher education.
