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MontanaSB 27869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise education laws to support advanced opportunities

Sponsored By: Sara Novak (Democrat)

Became Law

Developmental Disabilities, Persons WithSchools and EducationSchool FinanceUniversity SystemVocational Education

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Facilitators count in educator funding

The law counts an advanced opportunity facilitator as a full‑time educator in the quality educator payment if the position was reported for accreditation last year and is with an eligible entity. A coordination clause ensures that if another enacted bill also amends the same section, that bill must still include the facilitator in educator payment rules.

More aid to cut student costs

Beginning July 1, 2025, qualified districts get state aid each year equal to 4.5% (elementary), 30% (high school), or 18% (K–12) of last year’s quality educator payment. The Superintendent pays this aid by October 1 into each district’s flexibility fund. At least 75% of the money must cover students’ out‑of‑pocket costs, like dual‑credit tuition, exam fees, work‑based learning costs (including workers’ comp), and industry credential fees; you can ask the district to cover other needed costs. Any remaining aid may support career and technical courses or pay an advanced opportunity facilitator. Districts may add up to 25% more from their adult education budget. Help is for qualifying pupils in grades 6–12 who are enrolled in a qualified district.

District applications and funding priorities

Beginning July 1, 2025, a district must apply on the superintendent’s form, be approved by a board vote, be signed by the chair, and include a strategic plan to qualify. The Board of Public Education sets application windows and must qualify districts for the next school year by January 31. Qualifications are limited to available funding and follow the order received; deferred applications must be updated yearly to keep their place. By September 15 of even‑numbered years, the Board reports to lawmakers on pupils served, credits or credentials paid, growth, funding needs, and issues.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Sara Novak

    Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Eric Tilleman

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 302 • No: 94

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 36 • No: 14

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 46 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 69 • No: 30

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 75 • No: 24

Senate vote • 3/4/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 38 • No: 12

Senate vote • 2/28/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 38 • No: 10

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/13/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/5/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    5/5/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/29/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/20/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/17/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House

    4/17/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred

    4/16/2025Senate

  10. 2nd Reading Pass Consideration

    4/15/2025Senate

  11. Returned to Senate with Amendments

    4/11/2025House

  12. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025House

  13. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025House

  14. Committee Report--Bill Concurred

    4/10/2025House

  15. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred

    4/9/2025House

  16. Hearing

    4/9/2025House

  17. Rereferred to Committee

    4/9/2025House

  18. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/8/2025House

  19. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/7/2025House

  20. Hearing

    4/3/2025House

  21. First Reading

    3/6/2025House

  22. Referred to Committee

    3/5/2025House

  23. Transmitted to House

    3/4/2025Senate

  24. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/4/2025Senate

  25. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    3/3/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/17/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 3)

    4/8/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    2/26/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/6/2025

    PDF

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