This Montana bill changes how 6th graders in accredited middle schools are funded, raising their per-student funding rate to match that of 7th and 8th graders. Currently, 6th graders receive lower elementary school funding rates while their older middle school peers receive higher high school funding rates. The legislation amends state education code sections to redefine how "basic entitlement" is calculated for districts with accredited middle schools, ensuring 6th graders are counted at the same funding level as grades 7 and 8. This change applies to all Montana school districts that operate accredited middle schools and affects the state's school funding distribution system.
This bill expands access to early literacy intervention programs by allowing school districts to count students in these programs toward their enrollment numbers, which determines state funding. It establishes a temporary grant program to help districts create or expand classroom-based early literacy initiatives and clarifies how students in programs with fewer than 180 instructional hours can be included in funding calculations if they demonstrate proficiency in covered content. The legislation also updates how enrollment is calculated for students participating in jumpstart programs and provides specific rules for counting kindergarten enrollment during transitions to full-time programs. These changes directly affect school districts in Montana and aim to increase resources available for early reading support without altering the core structure of existing education laws.
This bill establishes a Montana Correctional Education Program within the Department of Corrections to provide inmates with opportunities to earn high school equivalency diplomas and participate in adult basic education. It sets specific qualifications for instructors, requiring them to be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and hold either an associate or bachelor's degree, a valid teaching certificate from another state, or prior teaching or military training experience. The legislation explicitly states that instructors do not need to hold a Montana teaching certificate, while allowing the Department of Corrections to create policies determining inmate eligibility for the program.
HB 24 clarifies Montana's kindergarten instructional hour requirements, directly affecting public school districts and kindergarten programs. It specifies that half-time kindergarten must provide 360 hours and full-time kindergarten 720 hours annually, aligning with existing sections of Montana law (20-1-301, 20-7-117). The bill amends related statutes to ensure these hour requirements are explicitly defined for funding and compliance purposes. Signed into law by the Governor on April 7, 2025, it establishes clear standards for kindergarten programming without altering funding formulas or creating new penalties.
HB 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.
This bill (LC 1236) proposed requiring all high schools to add history and civics courses as a graduation requirement. It would have directly affected high school students by mandating these subjects for graduation, replacing or supplementing current course requirements. The bill was drafted in 2024 but was ultimately "died in process" in May 2025, meaning it did not advance to a vote or become law. It remains a proposed measure with no current legislative status.
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 567 revises education laws to increase flexibility for school districts to enter into "multidistrict agreements" for jointly funding and operating programs and services. These agreements allow two or more districts to share resources, staff, and services, and can now include private entities. Beginning in 2027, the bill offers a 50% increase in the total quality educator payment to school districts that establish comprehensive countywide multidistrict agreements encompassing all districts in a county. The aim is to enhance efficiency and resource sharing among districts across various functions like administration, instruction, and special education, without increasing local taxes.
HJ 36 is a non-binding resolution encouraging Montana's public school districts to provide cursive writing instruction to students, primarily affecting K-12 students and school administrators. It urges schools to introduce cursive as early as developmentally appropriate and maintain exposure throughout a student's education, citing cognitive benefits and the importance of reading historical documents like the Declaration of Independence. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with education officials but does not mandate or fund cursive instruction. It died in committee in May 2025 and remains a symbolic gesture, not a law.
HB 339 would change Montana's school funding formula to provide 6th graders in accredited middle schools with the same per-pupil funding rate as 7th and 8th graders - currently, 6th graders receive lower elementary school funding. The bill amends Montana Code Sections 20-9-306 and 20-9-311 to eliminate this disparity, directly affecting school districts operating middle schools with 6th graders. It aims to align funding with accreditation standards, enabling middle schools to offer expanded programs like career and technical education. The policy change would adjust state education funding calculations for these districts without altering school structures.
