MontanaHB 33869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise laws regarding targeted early numeracy intervention

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More early reading and math help

The law expands early reading help to include math. The state board selects research‑based tests to see if a child is on track for third‑grade reading or math. A child qualifies for help when those tests show the child is below the growth path. Districts may run classroom programs (age 4+ not in kindergarten), a home‑based program (age 4+ not finished second grade), and a summer jumpstart (age 5+ not finished third grade). Jumpstart must last at least 4 weeks and 120 hours. If a classroom program is full time, parents can choose half time. For the home‑based option, the superintendent pays up to $1,000 per child each year from funds set aside; if funds are short, participation is limited. The superintendent gives districts access to the chosen tests and the home program. Districts can start numeracy testing as soon as the board approves it, and may add numeracy to jumpstart now.

More school info and early admission options

School districts must give families a yearly guide to programs and options. Trustees may admit children under 5 or adults 19 and older in exceptional cases. Examples include preschool, parent‑requested early kindergarten, or entry to an early literacy or jumpstart program. Admission under these rules does not by itself change state enrollment counts for funding.

More funding credit for early programs

Children in classroom early intervention programs are counted in the state enrollment formula. After a jumpstart, the school adds 0.25 to that student’s count in both the next October and February counts, up to 1.25. This can raise district funding and support more services.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Melissa Romano
Democrat • House

Cosponsors

Jacinda Morigeau
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 257 • No: 29

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 32 • No: 16

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 32 • No: 13

House vote • 2/18/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 2/14/2025