MontanaSB 17769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Allow community choice school commission to seek public funding

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New statewide choice school commission

The law creates a statewide Community Choice School Commission. It is attached to the Board of Public Education and under the board’s general supervision. The commission approves who can authorize community choice schools. It has seven members: 2 named by the governor; 1 by the superintendent; 1 by the Senate president; 1 by the House speaker; and 1 each by the Senate and House minority leaders. The first appointments had to be made within 60 days after July 1, 2023. If an appointing official did not act, the others make the remaining appointments. Initial terms are staggered: 4 years for the governor’s picks (one serves as presiding officer for 2 years), 3 years for the superintendent and both minority leaders, and 2 years for the Senate president and House speaker. After that, all terms are 3 years. Members must, as a group, have strong experience in governance, business, finance, education, management, and philanthropy, and show commitment to choice schools. Members can be removed by a majority vote for cause, including inability to serve, unjustified refusal to approve an authorizer or school, or interference with commission work. Vacancies are filled by the original appointing official for the rest of the term. The commission may hire staff. The board can provide payroll, HR, accounting, IT, and other services if both agree it is more efficient. The commission must adopt bylaws and elect officers within 180 days of July 1, 2023.

Open meetings and annual school reports

All commission meetings are open to the public. Each year by August 1, the commission reports to the State Board of Public Education. Reports include academic performance and financial results for each choice school the commission authorizes.

Public and private funding for choice schools

The commission can accept private gifts and donations that fit the law’s purposes. Money goes into the state community choice school account. The commission can use it for its operations or give it to choice schools. The commission may also seek and receive public funding that aligns with these purposes. The law does not require any public funding. Commission members can be reimbursed for approved expenses, as set in the bylaws and approved by the treasurer.

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: 105

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 57 • No: 42

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 58 • No: 42

Senate vote • 2/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 38 • No: 11

Senate vote • 2/5/2025