Education

HB 118 revises Montana's participation in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Section 20-1-230, MCA). It clarifies the Compact Commission's authority to set annual assessments based on the number of military-connected students in Montana and updates references to U.S. Code. The bill directly affects military children (K-12) and their families moving between states, as well as Montana schools and education agencies. Key mechanisms include standardizing enrollment processes, ensuring seamless transfer of education records, and supporting placement without disadvantage due to frequent moves or deployments. The changes aim to remove barriers to educational continuity for military-connected students across state lines.

HB 15 updates Montana's K-12 school funding formula to adjust for inflation by increasing specific dollar amounts annually. It directly affects all public school districts in Montana by raising base funding rates for high schools, elementary schools, and K-12 programs, including per-pupil payments for American Indian students and other targeted programs. Key provisions include annual increases for basic entitlements (e.g., $343,483 to $375,333 for high school districts by 2026) and adjustments to payments like the American Indian achievement gap ($235 to $256 per student). The bill amends existing law to ensure funding keeps pace with rising costs, effective starting with the 2024 fiscal year. The legislation was signed into law by the Governor on April 1, 2025.

Senate Joint Resolution 7 is a non-binding resolution urging Montana's universities to support shooting sports as collegiate activities. It encourages the Montana University System to adopt shooting sports (such as trap, skeet, rifle, and pistol competitions) as intercollegiate sports, use university resources to facilitate these programs, and develop scholarships for student competitors. The resolution highlights Montana's tradition of firearm use and notes that current lack of such programs causes students to seek opportunities elsewhere. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a policy recommendation to university leaders.