Education (Government Transparency)

This bill requires education membership organizations and associations composed of public or government entities to keep their meetings and records open to the public. It applies specifically to groups where members are public or government entities that receive public funding, either directly or indirectly. The law mandates that these organizations maintain transparency by making their meetings and records accessible to the public to the same extent as the individual member entities. This provision ensures that organizations formed by public bodies operate with the same level of openness as the public entities themselves.

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.