SB 36: Remove expired contingency language related to generating unit closure - Montana

SB0036_1(10).pdf → SB0036_X.pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill removes expired contingency language from a school funding statute that was originally tied to the closure of a specific coal-fired power plant. The changes eliminate the requirement for school districts to repay block grant funds based on a strict timeline for when the coal plant closed, as that deadline has passed. The core funding mechanism and eligibility criteria for the grants remain intact, but the conditional repayment obligations are deleted.

Scope change

The bill's scope is narrowed by removing a conditional contingency clause; the statute no longer applies the repayment schedule to the specific coal plant closure event.

REQUIREMENT

Deleted the specific repayment schedule that required school districts to return a percentage of block grant funds if the coal plant closed between 2018 and 2022.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed the conditional eligibility criteria that were tied to the plant's closure date and the existence of a retirement plan.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill title and summary to reflect that the act is now purely a revision to remove expired contingency language rather than establishing new conditions.

SB0036_1(9).pdf → SB0036_1(10).pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill updates the title and bill number to reflect a new version (SB 36.1) and removes the 'Enrolled Bill' certification page, indicating this is a revised draft rather than a final signed law. The substantive text of the school funding amendment remains identical to the previous version, preserving all eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and repayment schedules for coal plant closures.

Scope change

The bill's scope and applicability remain unchanged; it continues to apply to school districts with coal-fired generating units that retired or were planned for retirement by July 1, 2022.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill title and number from SB 36 to SB 36.1 to reflect a revision in the legislative process.

Deleted the 'Enrolled Bill' certification page containing signatures for the Secretary of the Senate, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House.

Added a new introductory line requesting the bill by the Education Interim Committee, which was previously missing from the draft.

SB0036_1(8).pdf → SB0036_1(9).pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill removes expired contingency language related to a coal-fired power plant closure that was set to expire in 2022. This change cleans up the statute by eliminating provisions that are no longer relevant, ensuring the law reflects current conditions rather than outdated future scenarios.

Scope change

The bill's scope is narrowed by removing specific repayment schedules and conditions tied to a coal plant closing between 2018 and 2022. The core funding mechanism for school districts remains intact, but the temporary, time-limited contingencies are deleted.

TIMELINE

Deleted specific dates and deadlines related to the closure of a coal-fired generating unit, which were set to expire in 2022.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the requirement for school districts to repay block grant funds based on a sliding scale percentage depending on when the coal plant closed.

SCOPE

Updated the bill title and description to reflect that the act is now focused on removing expired contingency language rather than managing a specific plant closure scenario.

LC0286.pdf → SB0036_1.pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill has been formally renumbered from LC 0286 to SB 36, indicating a shift from a legislative committee draft to an official Senate bill. The document now includes the name of the primary sponsor, D. Emrich, and specifies that it was introduced at the request of the Education Interim Committee. These changes reflect the procedural progression of the legislation through the state legislature.

TECHNICAL

The bill number changed from LC 0286 to SB 36, marking its transition to an official Senate bill.

The name of the primary sponsor, D. Emrich, was added to the header.

A note indicating the document is an 'Authorized Print Version' was added to the footer.

Remove expired contingency language related to generating unit closure

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