Revise educational laws pertaining to recruitment and retention and MSDB
HB 151 revises education laws related to recruitment, retention, and the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind. The bill makes educational sign language interpreters eligible for the quality educator payment and loan assistance program. It also expands the types of educational entities that can receive incentives for meeting starting teacher pay benchmarks and participate in the teacher residency program. Finally, it allows the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind to transport resident students between their homes and the school using a school bus.
The bill includes minor technical corrections to its title and formatting, removing redundant words like 'DATES' and standardizing capitalization. These changes do not alter the substantive policy, eligibility, or requirements of the legislation.
TECHNICAL
Corrected the title to remove redundant wording ('DATES') and standardized capitalization for consistency.
Adjusted the capitalization of the word 'Section' in the amendment text to match standard formatting.
HB0151_4(2).pdf→HB0151_X(1).pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was formally enrolled and enacted, changing its status from a draft proposal to law. Substantively, it expanded the definition of 'impacted schools' to include correctional facilities, Indian reservation schools, and rural schools located more than 20 minutes from a city with over 15,000 people. It also broadened the definition of 'quality educators' to explicitly include licensed professionals and educational sign language interpreters, ensuring they are eligible for loan repayment assistance and residency program benefits.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include correctional facilities, Indian reservation schools, and specific rural schools as eligible 'impacted schools' for recruitment incentives. Additionally, the scope of eligible 'quality educators' was widened to include licensed professionals and educational sign language interpreters, not just traditional classroom teachers.
DEFINITION
Added 'correctional facilities' and 'public schools on Indian reservations' to the list of impacted schools eligible for educator incentives.
Added a new category for 'impacted schools' to include public schools located more than 20 minutes from a Montana city with a population greater than 15,000.
Updated the definition of 'entity' to explicitly list correctional facilities alongside school districts and cooperatives.
ELIGIBILITY
Expanded the definition of 'quality educator' to include licensed professionals (such as counselors or nurses) and educational sign language interpreters working in eligible entities.
REQUIREMENT
Added a new requirement for teacher residency programs to utilize a cohort model with opportunities for both virtual and in-person training and support.
HB0151_3(15).pdf→HB0151_4.pdf·1 edit
MINOR
The bill number was updated from HB 151.3 to HB 151.4, indicating a revision in the legislative process. The substantive policy content regarding school education and training models remains unchanged, with no modifications to funding, eligibility, or specific requirements.
TECHNICAL
The bill number was updated from HB 151.3 to HB 151.4, likely reflecting a new version or amendment number in the legislative tracking system.
HB0151_1(6).pdf→HB0151_3(10).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered from HB 151.1 to HB 0151.3 and updated its effective date language. The most significant substantive change is the addition of a new section creating a loan repayment program for educators working in 'impacted schools,' such as rural areas or the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind. This new benefit is contingent on the creation of a public list of these impacted schools.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include a specific loan repayment assistance program for teachers in designated impacted schools, whereas the previous version did not contain this provision.
FISCAL
Added a new provision allowing quality educators in impacted schools to receive up to 3 years of state-funded loan repayment assistance, plus an additional year funded by the school or district.
DEFINITION
Added a new definition for 'impacted school' to include special education cooperatives, the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, youth challenge programs, correctional facilities, and schools located more than 20 minutes from cities with over 15,000 people.
REQUIREMENT
Added a requirement for the Board of Public Education to maintain and publish a current list of impacted schools.
TECHNICAL
Updated the bill number from HB 151.1 to HB 0151.3 and adjusted the list of amended statutes to include the new section.
HB0151_2(17).pdf→HB0151_1(6).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered from HB 151.2 to HB 151.1 and the list of amended statutes was updated to include section 20-8-121. The substantive policy content regarding the teacher residency program was reorganized and renumbered, but the core requirements for program partnerships, resident support, and compensation remain consistent with the previous version.
Scope change
The bill's scope of amended statutes was expanded to include section 20-8-121, while the scope of the teacher residency program requirements remained substantively unchanged despite renumbering.
TECHNICAL
The bill number was changed from HB 151.2 to HB 151.1.
The page header and footer formatting were adjusted to reflect the new bill number.
SCOPE
The list of amended statutes was updated to add section 20-8-121 to the existing list.
REQUIREMENT
The text of the teacher residency program section was reorganized and renumbered, but the specific requirements for partnerships, cultural competency, training, and compensation were preserved.
HB0151_3(9).pdf→HB0151_2(17).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends Montana's education code to expand the definition of 'impacted schools' to include rural areas, correctional facilities, and Indian reservations, thereby extending loan repayment assistance to educators in these locations. It also significantly broadens the definition of 'quality educator' to include licensed professionals and sign language interpreters, not just traditional classroom teachers. Additionally, the bill establishes a new teacher residency program with specific requirements for mentorship, cultural competency, and housing support.
Scope change
The scope of loan repayment assistance was expanded from specific school types to include a broader range of rural, tribal, and correctional facilities, and the definition of eligible educators was widened to include non-traditional teaching roles.
ELIGIBILITY
Expanded the definition of 'impacted school' to include public schools on Indian reservations, correctional facilities, and schools located more than 20 minutes from a city with over 15,000 people.
Broadened the definition of 'quality educator' to include licensed professionals (such as nurses or social workers) and educational sign language interpreters employed by schools.
REQUIREMENT
Created a new teacher residency program requiring partnerships between residents, teacher-leaders, school districts, and educator preparation programs.
Mandated that teacher residency programs include cultural competency training and provide housing or housing allowances for residents.
HB0151_X.pdf→HB0151_3(9).pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill was renumbered from HB 151 to HB0151.3 and its title was updated to explicitly include provisions for the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind regarding student transportation. The core legislative text regarding definitions and program requirements appears unchanged in this diff, though the header indicates a version update.
Scope change
The bill's scope was clarified in the title to explicitly include the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind's ability to transport resident students by school bus, which was previously implied but not explicitly stated in the title.
TECHNICAL
The bill number was changed from HB 151 to HB0151.3, indicating a version update or amendment.
Minor formatting changes were made to the header and page numbering to reflect the new bill version.
SCOPE
The bill title was expanded to explicitly state that the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind is allowed to transport resident students between home and school by school bus.
HB0151_3(8).pdf→HB0151_X.pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates the definitions of 'impacted schools' and 'quality educators' to include new entities like correctional facilities and schools on Indian reservations, and it expands the list of licensed professionals eligible for loan repayment assistance. It also adds a cohort model requirement for teacher residency programs and clarifies that certain deaf and hard-of-hearing interpreters qualify for educator payments.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of 'impacted schools' to include correctional facilities, schools on Indian reservations, and rural schools located more than 20 minutes from a city with over 15,000 people. It also broadens the definition of 'quality educator' to include licensed professionals and educational sign language interpreters.
DEFINITION
Added 'correctional facilities' and 'public schools on Indian reservations' to the list of impacted schools eligible for loan repayment assistance.
Added a new criterion for impacted schools: public schools located more than 20 minutes from a city with a population greater than 15,000.
ELIGIBILITY
Expanded 'quality educator' eligibility to include licensed professionals (such as counselors and nurses) and educational sign language interpreters.
Clarified that educational sign language interpreters meeting board-established qualifications are eligible for quality educator payments.
REQUIREMENT
Added a requirement for teacher residency programs to use a cohort model with virtual and in-person training opportunities.
The bill was reorganized and expanded to include new definitions for 'impacted schools' and 'quality educators,' while removing specific coordination clauses that referenced other pending bills. The changes clarify eligibility for loan repayment assistance by explicitly adding rural schools, Indian reservation schools, and correctional facilities to the list of impacted schools, and by redefining 'quality educator' to include licensed professionals and sign language interpreters.
Scope change
The bill's scope was broadened to explicitly include rural schools (over 20 minutes from a city of 15,000+), schools on Indian reservations, and correctional facilities as 'impacted schools,' and to include licensed professionals and sign language interpreters as 'quality educators' eligible for loan repayment assistance.
DEFINITION
Added 'correctional facilities' and 'public schools on Indian reservations' to the list of impacted schools eligible for loan repayment assistance.
Added a new definition for 'quality educator' that includes licensed professionals and sign language interpreters, expanding the pool of eligible staff for loan repayment.
Added a new definition for 'impacted school' covering schools located more than 20 minutes from a city with a population over 15,000.
REQUIREMENT
Removed coordination sections that voided parts of the bill if other specific bills (HB 252 and HB 509) were passed, simplifying the legislative process.
Reorganized the definitions section to group 'quality educator' and 'entity' definitions separately from the list of impacted schools.
Added detailed requirements for a new teacher residency program, including partnerships between residents, teacher-leaders, school districts, and preparation programs.
This bill revision streamlines definitions for 'impacted schools' and 'quality educators' to better include special education cooperatives, correctional facilities, and schools on Indian reservations. It also establishes coordination rules to prevent conflicts with related legislation (HB 252 and HB 509) and clarifies the effective dates for new funding provisions.
Scope change
The bill now explicitly includes special education cooperatives, the Montana school for the deaf and blind, the Montana youth challenge program, correctional facilities, and remote public schools as 'impacted schools' eligible for specific educator support programs.
DEFINITION
The definition of 'impacted school' was expanded to include special education cooperatives, the Montana school for the deaf and blind, the Montana youth challenge program, correctional facilities, and public schools located more than 20 minutes from a city with over 15,000 people.
The definition of 'quality educator' was updated to explicitly include licensed professionals providing educational sign language interpreting for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
REQUIREMENT
New coordination sections were added to automatically void conflicting provisions if passed alongside HB 252 or HB 509, ensuring legal consistency between related bills.
TIMELINE
The effective date for the act was clarified to be July 1, 2025, with specific applicability rules for educational sign language interpreters at the Montana school for the deaf and blind starting July 1, 2024.
HB0151_2(16).pdf→HB0151_3.pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill text was renumbered from HB0151.2 to HB0151.3, and the effective date language was expanded to include both 'dates' and 'applicability date'. The substantive definitions of 'impacted school' and 'quality educator' remain unchanged, though the internal lettering of the list items was reorganized. A new line regarding housing allowances for teacher residency residents was inserted into the compensation requirements.
Scope change
The bill's scope and applicability appear unchanged; the modifications are primarily technical renumbering and a minor expansion of the effective date terminology.
TECHNICAL
The bill number was updated from HB0151.2 to HB0151.3, indicating a revision in the legislative process.
The internal numbering of the list defining 'impacted schools' was reorganized from (a) through (f) to (b) through (f), shifting the order of the items.
TIMELINE
The effective date clause was expanded to explicitly mention both 'dates' and 'applicability date' to clarify when the law takes effect.
REQUIREMENT
A specific provision for housing allowances for teacher residency residents was added to the list of required compensations.
HB0151_1(5).pdf→HB0151_2(11).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered and its scope was significantly altered by swapping the order of two sections. The original Section 2 regarding teacher residency programs was replaced with a new Section 2 that establishes a loan repayment program for educators working in schools facing critical shortages. The original Section 3, which detailed the teacher residency program requirements, was moved to become Section 3.
Scope change
The bill's primary focus shifted from establishing a teacher residency program to creating a financial incentive (loan repayment) for quality educators in impacted schools, while the residency program details were moved to a later section.
SCOPE
The bill's title and summary were updated to reflect the new Section 2, which amends 20-4-503 instead of 20-4-702, indicating a shift in legislative focus.
FISCAL
A new provision was added allowing quality educators in impacted schools to receive state-funded loan repayment assistance of up to 3 years, plus an additional year if they remain employed in the same or another impacted school within the district.
REQUIREMENT
The original text for Section 2, which defined the teacher residency program, was removed and replaced with the new loan repayment criteria.
The original Section 3 detailing the teacher residency program requirements was moved to become Section 3, changing its position in the bill but not its content.
HB0151_2(10).pdf→HB0151_1(5).pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered from HB 151.2 to HB 151.1 and updated its title to include a new amendment to section 20-8-121. The substantive text of Section 2 (Teacher Residency Program) was completely rewritten to replace the old 'Critical Quality Educator Shortages' section, introducing a new program focused on shared partnerships, cultural competency training, and specific financial support like housing allowances and tuition grants. Additionally, a new clause was added regarding the conversion of unspent funds to the commissioner of higher education if residents do not complete the program.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include amendments to section 20-8-121, and the core policy shifted from a general loan repayment list to a structured teacher residency program with specific partnership and funding requirements.
TECHNICAL
The bill number was changed from HB 151.2 to HB 151.1, and the title was updated to reflect the new amendment to section 20-8-121.
REQUIREMENT
The requirement for the Superintendent of Public Instruction to maintain a list of impacted schools was replaced with a mandate to administer a new teacher residency program involving partnerships between residents, teacher-leaders, school districts, and educator preparation programs.
New requirements were added for the residency program to ensure residents possess cultural competencies and to include selection and training for teacher-leaders.
FISCAL
Specific financial supports were defined, including housing allowances for residents, last-dollar tuition grants for residents in accredited programs, and stipends for teacher-leaders.
ADDED
A new provision was added requiring the Superintendent to inform the Commissioner of Higher Education if a resident fails to complete the program or teach in a public school within five years, triggering a conversion of funds.
HB0151_1(4).pdf→HB0151_2(9).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered and its primary focus shifted from expanding a teacher residency program to creating a new loan repayment assistance program for educators working in schools with critical quality shortages. While the teacher residency program details were moved to a different section, the new text introduces financial incentives to help teachers pay off student loans if they remain in high-need schools.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include a new loan repayment assistance program for educators in impacted schools, replacing the previous focus on solely expanding the teacher residency program.
SCOPE
The bill's title and summary were updated to reflect amendments to sections 20-4-503 and 20-4-702, indicating a shift in legislative focus.
FISCAL
A new provision was added allowing quality educators in impacted schools to receive state-funded loan repayment assistance of up to 3 years, plus an additional year if they stay in the same or another impacted school within the district.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility criteria were expanded to include educators already working in impacted schools or those employed under specific existing provisions, rather than just new residents.
REQUIREMENT
The requirements for the teacher residency program were reorganized into a new section, maintaining the core partnership and training elements but separating them from the new loan repayment initiative.
HB0151_2(8).pdf→HB0151_1(4).pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill was renumbered from HB 151.2 to HB 151.1 and updated to reflect the 69th Legislature. The primary substantive change involves a technical correction to the list of amended statutes, removing a duplicate reference to section 20-4-503 and adding 20-8-121 to the list of affected laws. The text of the teacher residency program section appears to have been reformatted or duplicated in the comparison, but no new policy requirements, funding amounts, or eligibility criteria were introduced in this specific diff.
Scope change
The bill's scope was technically adjusted by correcting the list of amended statutes to remove a redundant section and include a missing one, while the bill number was updated.
TECHNICAL
The bill number was changed from HB 151.2 to HB 151.1.
The list of amended statutes was corrected to remove a duplicate reference to section 20-4-503 and add section 20-8-121.
The text of the teacher residency program section appears to be duplicated or reformatted in the new version, though the substantive policy content remains consistent.
HB0151_2(3).pdf→HB0151_2(4).pdf·1 edit
MINOR
The bill includes a minor stylistic correction to the section header, changing 'amended to read' to 'IS AMENDED TO READ' to ensure the language is fully capitalized for emphasis. This change does not alter the substantive policy, scope, or legal effect of the legislation.
TECHNICAL
Capitalized the phrase 'IS AMENDED TO READ' in the section header for consistency and emphasis.
HB0151_1(3).pdf→HB0151_2.pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to correct the target statute from 20-4-702 to 20-4-503, shifting the focus from a teacher residency program to a loan repayment program for educators in schools facing critical shortages. This change expands eligibility to include current quality educators and those employed under specific residency provisions, allowing them to receive up to four years of state-funded loan repayment assistance if they remain in impacted schools.
Scope change
The bill's scope shifted from establishing a new teacher residency program to providing financial loan repayment incentives for existing and new educators in schools designated as having critical quality shortages.
SCOPE
The primary subject of the amendment changed from 'Section 20-4-702 (Teacher residency program)' to 'Section 20-4-503 (Critical quality educator shortages -- impacted schools)'.
ELIGIBILITY
New criteria were added to include 'quality educators' working at impacted schools and individuals employed under specific residency provisions.
FISCAL
The bill now authorizes repayment of up to 3 years of outstanding educational loans, plus an additional year of assistance, funded by the impacted school or district.
REQUIREMENT
Detailed requirements for the teacher residency program, such as shared vision partnerships, housing allowances, and specific training cohort models, were removed.
TECHNICAL
The list of amended statutes was updated to reflect the change from 20-4-702 to 20-4-503 and to include 20-4-502.
LC0043.pdf→HB0151_1.pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill was renumbered from LC0043 to HB 151 and underwent significant reorganization of its text. The most substantive change is the reordering of the definition of 'Impacted school,' which now lists the Montana Youth Challenge Program before correctional facilities, altering the statutory sequence. The bill retains its core purpose of expanding incentives for educators in rural and specialized schools and updating teacher residency program requirements.
Scope change
The scope of the bill remains focused on education recruitment, retention, and specific support for the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, but the internal structure of the definitions has been altered.
DEFINITION
The list of 'Impacted schools' was reordered; the Montana Youth Challenge Program now appears as item (c) instead of (c), pushing the correctional facility definition to item (d).
TECHNICAL
The bill title and number were updated from LC0043 to HB 151, and the text was restructured with new line breaks and spacing.
The introductory lines listing the sponsors were condensed and reformatted.
