Rep. Melissa Nikolakakos

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHJ 43 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on coordinated homeless services in Montana. It directs a committee to examine wraparound services, housing access, and permanent supportive housing models - including their cost savings for healthcare and public safety - using statewide homelessness data and stakeholder input. The study, required to report to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026, would assess how coordinated services improve outcomes for Montanans experiencing homelessness, particularly those with disabilities. The resolution died in the House process on May 22, 2025, and does not create new law.

Maddy summaryHB 310 proposed establishing a state matching grant program to increase community shelter capacity for the homeless population. Administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, these grants would help local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations. The funds would specifically target services for senior citizens, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, youth transitioning from foster care, and individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. Applicants would be required to provide matching funds and collaborate with existing homelessness service providers. The bill appropriated $2 million from the general fund for the program, which was set to operate from July 2025 to June 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 599 revises parental rights concerning data collection and health screenings for children within schools. It establishes that parents can opt-out of school evaluations, surveys, or data collection that does not require personally identifiable information, and must opt-in for those that do. The bill requires schools to notify parents about any physical or mental health screenings or surveys, allowing parents to opt their child out, and to inform parents of any resulting issues. Furthermore, it mandates parental consent for biometric scans, certain audio/video recordings, and specific school trip accommodations. It also prohibits government entity employees from withholding relevant health information from parents.

Maddy summaryHB 744 authorizes the use of speech-language pathology aides and audiology aides in the state. These aides are not required to be licensed, but they must work under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist for a minimum of 20% of their time. The bill specifies that aides cannot perform work requiring independent professional judgment. It also grants the board the authority to establish the qualifications and scope of work for these aide roles through rules.

Maddy summaryHB 349 establishes a temporary program allowing certain retired members of the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) to return to full-time work for the Superintendent of Public Instruction without losing their retirement benefits. To be eligible, retired teachers must have been receiving benefits for at least two months, have 27 or more years of service, and the Superintendent must certify an inability to find a non-retired qualified applicant for the position. These reemployed retirees can work for a maximum of five years and are exempt from standard earnings limits for retirees. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, as the employer, is required to make contributions to the TRS for these individuals. This act is effective immediately and terminates on June 30, 2031.

Maddy summaryHB 538 revises state laws governing the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system. It expands the 9-1-1 advisory council by one member and clarifies its role in advising the department on fee allocation, grants, and statewide planning. The bill updates the department's duties, including administering 9-1-1 funds, maintaining a statewide plan for current and next-generation technologies, and monitoring expenditures by local and tribal governments operating public safety answering points. It also directs the department to adopt rules for fund distribution, grant awards, and technology standards to ensure effective 9-1-1 services across the state.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 671 revises the Montana Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act to align its definition of the "Internal Revenue Code" with the definition used in the Montana individual income tax code. This change ensures consistent interpretation of federal tax law references for individuals participating in or establishing Montana ABLE accounts. By linking the ABLE Act's definition to the state income tax code, the bill aims to standardize how these financial accounts are treated under state law. The bill took effect immediately upon passage and applies retroactively to income tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 158 revises the provisions for retired teachers, specialists, and administrators who return to work in public schools under the Teachers' Retirement System. It extends the maximum period for re-employment from three years to five years, allowing eligible retirees to continue receiving their retirement benefits without interruption. This applies if the retired member has at least 27 years of creditable service and the school district certifies it was unable to fill the position with a non-retired applicant. The bill also extends the termination date for these temporary re-employment provisions to June 30, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 254 eliminates the requirement for applicants seeking licensure as professional employer organizations or groups in Montana, along with their controlling persons, to submit fingerprints for criminal background checks. Previously, these individuals were required to undergo fingerprint checks by the Montana Department of Justice and the federal bureau of investigation as a prerequisite for licensure. While removing the specific fingerprinting mandate, the bill still requires applicants to provide detailed background information and demonstrate good moral character, business integrity, and financial responsibility to the department.