MontanaHB 74469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Authorize speech-language pathology aides and audiology aides

Sponsored By: Melissa Nikolakakos (Republican)

Became Law

Schools and EducationProfessions and Occupations GenerallyRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

No license for school speech/audiology aides

School districts can employ speech-language pathology aides and audiology aides without a state license. Aides must work under a licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist at least 20% of the time. Aides may not do tasks that need the independent judgment of a licensed clinician. The state board sets the aides’ qualifications and allowed tasks by rule. The board cannot require a license for these school aides or make rules stricter than the law’s limits.

Start and end dates tied to rules

The school-aide framework starts 30 days after the board adopts final rules for it. The temporary setup in the law ends 30 days after those final rules. The Department of Labor and Industry must tell the Code Commissioner within 14 days after that.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Melissa Nikolakakos
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Sara Novak
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 295 • No: 3

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

House 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