MontanaSB 3769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Clarify calculations for significant enrollment increases

Sponsored By: Daniel Emrich (Republican)

Became Law

Schools and EducationSchool Finance

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Extra state help for school transportation

When a district passes a final transportation budget amendment, it can apply for extra state reimbursement. The state superintendent sets the application rules and decides each request. The superintendent tells the district the approved amount. The state pays the extra amount with the next regular state aid payment. This applies starting July 1, 2025.

New rules start July 1, 2025

The law takes effect July 1, 2025. It applies to school fiscal years that start on or after that date. The transportation and enrollment payment rules are active for those years.

School aid when enrollment jumps

Eligibility is checked for each budget unit. A unit qualifies if October ANB is at least 110% of the budget-limit ANB from three years earlier. The payment equals 80% of the adjusted per-ANB entitlement minus 80% of the standard per-ANB entitlement. The absorption factor is 5 ANB plus 3% of the current budget-limit ANB, rounded. The superintendent calculates by December 1 and notifies by December 15. Trustees must accept all or part and pass a general fund budget amendment by the next meeting and no later than March 1. The state pays the accepted amount with the remaining state aid payments for the year. Funds go to the general fund and must cover costs from the enrollment increase.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Daniel Emrich
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Melissa Romano
Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 296 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/29/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/21/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/20/2025