MontanaHB 74569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Require background checks for certain school employees and volunteers

Sponsored By: Eric Tilleman (Republican)

Became Law

Schools and EducationVocational EducationLaw EnforcementSafety

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stronger background checks for school adults

Beginning July 1, 2025, every school district must have a student protection policy. Anyone who may have unsupervised contact with students must complete a fingerprint-based national criminal history check before that contact. As an alternative, the person can give the Montana Department of Justice the information so the district can obtain the fingerprint check, and a trustee, the superintendent, or a designee reviews the results. This applies to employees, volunteers, and other adults in school, at school events, or in transit to them, no matter their employment status. If a district fails to carry out its policy, the trustees must submit a correction plan to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Fingerprints required for teacher certification

Beginning July 1, 2025, to get a teacher or specialist certificate, you must complete a fingerprint-based national criminal history check under state licensure rules. You must be at least 18 and be of good moral and professional character. This adds a step that may include small fees or wait time for applicants.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Tilleman
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Susan Webber
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 289 • No: 1

House vote • 4/22/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 44 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025