MontanaSB 17769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Allow community choice school commission to seek public funding

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New statewide commission for choice schools

The law creates a statewide Community Choice School Commission under the Board of Public Education for administration. The commission approves who can authorize choice schools across Montana. It must meet and adopt bylaws and officers within 180 days of July 1, 2023. All commission meetings are open to the public. By August 1 each year, it reports each authorized school’s academic and financial results to the State Board.

Public and private funding for commission

The commission can seek and receive public funding that fits the law’s purpose. It can accept private gifts from individuals or organizations if the terms do not conflict with the law’s goals. All donations go into the community choice school account. Money may support commission operations or be passed through to choice schools. The commission can hire staff, and the Board of Public Education may provide payroll, HR, accounting, or IT if both agree it is more efficient.

Rules for choosing and overseeing commissioners

The commission has seven members: two appointed by the governor and one each by the superintendent, the senate president, the house speaker, and the minority leaders of the senate and house. Members must bring experience in governance, business, finance, education, management, or philanthropy and support choice schools. Initial terms are staggered (4, 3, or 2 years as listed), then all terms are 3 years; initial picks are due within 60 days after July 1, 2023. Members can be reimbursed for expenses with treasurer approval as set in bylaws. A member can be removed by majority vote for cause, and the original appointing authority fills any vacancy for the rest of the term.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sue Vinton
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Kenneth Bogner
Republican • Senate
Randyn Gregg
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 193 • No: 102

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 57 • No: 42

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 58 • No: 41

Senate vote • 2/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 38 • No: 11

Senate vote • 2/5/2025