MontanaHB 74469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Authorize speech-language pathology aides and audiology aides

Sponsored By: Melissa Nikolakakos (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Education - K-12Professions and Occupations GenerallyRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Board sets school aide qualifications and timing

The state board must set the qualifications and allowed tasks for school-employed speech and hearing aides. The board’s rules cannot be stricter than the law’s minimums. Section 2 of the law starts 30 days after the board adopts final rules. The initial section ends 30 days after those final rules are adopted.

No license, 20% oversight for school speech aides

School-employed speech-language and audiology aides do not need a state license. A licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist must supervise them at least 20% of their work time. Aides may not do tasks that require a clinician’s independent judgment. These rules apply to aides who work for school districts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Melissa Nikolakakos
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Sara Novak
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 295 • No: 3

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 1

House vote • 3/6/2025