MontanaHB 26069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise teacher stipends for national board certification

Sponsored By: Luke Muszkiewicz (Democrat)

Became Law

Schools and EducationSchool FinanceTeachers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Bigger stipends for National Board teachers

Beginning July 1, 2025, Montana pays yearly stipends to teachers with current National Board certification. The base amount equals 50% of the state's quality educator payment, or 85% if you teach in a school that qualifies for the federal Community Eligibility Provision or in an "impacted school" under Montana law. You must be full-time, certified to teach in Montana, and work for a public school district, an education cooperative, the School for the Deaf and Blind, or a correctional facility. You qualify starting in the school year that begins July 1 after you earn or renew your certification. The Superintendent sends payments to employers by March 1 each year.

State and school shares of stipends

Beginning July 1, 2025, the state covers a set share of each stipend. For the base stipend, the state pays 50% and adds 1 percentage point for every 1% the district pays, up to a 75% state share. For the higher stipend in high-poverty or impacted schools, the state pays 55% and adds 2 points per 1% the district pays, up to an 85% state share. Funding these stipends is a state obligation; a district does not have to pay its match unless the state pays the district. If funding falls short, the Superintendent must seek a supplemental appropriation in year two of the biennium.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Luke Muszkiewicz
Democrat • House

Cosponsors

Sara Novak
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 293 • No: 6

House vote • 4/1/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 2

House vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 2

House vote • 2/10/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 1

House vote • 2/7/2025