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MontanaSB 18169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Generally revise Indian education for all laws

Sponsored By: Jonathan Windy Boy (Democrat)

Became Law

IndiansSchools and EducationSchool Finance

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

American Indian studies for all students and staff

Beginning July 1, 2025, every school district must teach American Indian studies to all students and train all certified staff. Districts should use licensed Indian language and culture specialists when possible. Education agencies must consult Montana tribes when they teach or set goals so lessons include Montana tribes’ history, language, and current life. The law defines what counts as American Indian studies and instruction. OPI also coordinates its help with the state Indian language preservation program.

Tribal voice and cost checks in standards

Beginning July 1, 2025, the board must include Montana American Indian heritage in school content and performance standards. The superintendent must include Montana tribal representatives on committees that write or revise standards. Committees must also include trustees, administrators, teachers, business officials, parents, and taxpayers, and may last no more than two years. Accreditation proposals must include an economic impact statement that checks if districts can meet them with current resources and time. If a standard needs significant new district spending, it cannot start until July 1 after the next regular legislative session, and the superintendent must request funding. The board and superintendent must follow the guiding principles and recordkeeping rules in 2-15-142.

Indian education funds and strict accountability

Starting July 1, 2025, the state gives each public school district an Indian education payment. The payment is part of the BASE budget and must be deposited in the general fund. Districts may use the money only for American Indian studies curriculum, student materials, and teacher training. Each year, districts must report how they spent the money and describe the instruction and tribal collaboration. OPI will post districts that fail to report, and the board will note it in accreditation. If a district does not file the report, OPI cuts its BASE limits and BASE aid by the full payment amount for later years until it files. If a district misuses funds, OPI cuts next year’s BASE limits and aid by the misused amount. OPI also runs an online feedback portal and reports each year on feedback, improvements, and districts that failed to report.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jonathan Windy Boy

    Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 293 • No: 97

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 42 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/12/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 69 • No: 28

Senate vote • 4/8/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 73 • No: 24

Senate vote • 2/25/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 29 • No: 20

Senate vote • 2/24/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 30 • No: 19

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/13/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/8/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/30/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/29/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/23/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/16/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/15/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House

    4/14/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred

    4/12/2025Senate

  10. Returned to Senate with Amendments

    4/9/2025House

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/9/2025House

  12. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/8/2025House

  13. Revised Fiscal Note Printed

    4/4/2025Senate

  14. Fiscal Note Unsigned

    4/3/2025Senate

  15. Revised Fiscal Note Received

    4/3/2025Senate

  16. Revised Fiscal Note Requested

    3/31/2025Senate

  17. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    3/29/2025House

  18. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    3/28/2025House

  19. Hearing

    3/21/2025House

  20. First Reading

    2/26/2025House

  21. Referred to Committee

    2/26/2025House

  22. Transmitted to House

    2/25/2025Senate

  23. 3rd Reading Passed

    2/25/2025Senate

  24. 2nd Reading Passed

    2/24/2025Senate

  25. Taken from Committee; Placed on 2nd Reading

    2/21/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    3/29/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/20/2025

    PDF

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