This bill allocates $100,000 from the state general fund to support career and technical education programs in Montana's middle schools and junior high schools. The Superintendent of Public Instruction will distribute these funds to accredited school districts and establish rules for how the money is allocated, ensuring it is not limited by school size. The state funding is intended to supplement existing federal Perkins grants and expand access to career exploration courses for middle grade students. The appropriation is designated as a base funding level that may continue in future legislative sessions.
This bill allows high school students in grades 11 and 12 to earn elective credits toward graduation by working at long-term care, nursing home, home care, or child care facilities. Students can earn one credit for every 250 hours worked, with a maximum of two credits allowed. Schools must create application forms to verify work hours and may set specific conditions on the types of tasks students perform. The program applies to both public and private schools and takes effect on July 1, 2025.
HB 357 provides state funding specifically for career and technical education (CTE) programs in middle schools, junior high schools, and 7th and 8th-grade programs. It directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to annually distribute these funds to eligible elementary and K-12 school districts. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support these programs. The Superintendent will adopt rules to ensure equitable distribution and proper use of the funds, enhancing existing federal support without school size restrictions.
This bill appropriates $1.1 million to Montana's Office of Public Instruction and $750,000 to the Department of Labor and Industry for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It funds a statewide K-12 digital toolkit containing state standards-aligned instructional materials across all subjects, including career and technical education resources linked to Montana industry partners. The toolkit aims to provide consistent digital learning tools to all public K-12 schools statewide, with funding intended as an ongoing base for future legislative sessions. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025.
This bill (LC 1379) proposed expanding career technical education (CTE) programs to include middle school students, aiming to provide early exposure to career-focused learning. It would have directly affected middle school students by adding CTE pathways to their curriculum, potentially connecting them to future career opportunities. However, the bill was drafted, placed on hold, and ultimately died in the legislative process during the 2025 session without becoming law.
This bill aimed to establish a scholarship program for students enrolled in trades training programs (e.g., plumbing, electrical work, welding). It would have provided financial support to help cover tuition and materials for eligible students. However, the bill was withdrawn from consideration in May 2025 and did not advance to become law. The proposal never moved beyond the drafting stage.
House Bill 381 allows 11th and 12th-grade students in public and nonpublic schools to earn elective high school graduation credits for paid or voluntary work in certain care settings. Students can earn one elective credit for every 250 hours worked, up to a maximum of two credits, in approved congregate-care or child-care facilities. Schools must establish an application process for students, which includes details about their work and supervision. Additionally, schools may set specific conditions and requirements for the type of work that qualifies for credit. This act will become effective on July 1, 2025.
SB 278 revises education laws to enhance "advanced opportunities" for qualifying students in grades 6-12. The bill establishes and defines "Advanced Opportunity Facilitators" to coordinate learning opportunities between school districts, students, families, and external organizations. School districts employing these facilitators can use a portion of their existing Advanced Opportunity Aid to pay them and receive additional Quality Educator Payments for these positions. This aims to support individualized pathways for career and postsecondary educational success for students.
