Montana’s Legislature Delivers For Families And Schools
 | Author:
Susie Hedalen, Superintendent of Public Instruction
Superintendent Of Public Instruction |
Montana’s Legislature Delivers for Families and Schools
McKenna Gregg
Communications Director
As the 69th Legislature officially comes to a close, I want to thank Montana’s legislators for passing impactful legislation in support of education. Throughout the process, numerous bills supported by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) to improve educational outcomes and support students, families, teachers, and schools gained strong support. With these bills, the OPI can begin working with local communities to drive meaningful improvements to Montana’s education system.
One significant victory is HB 15, which ensures inflationary increases for K-12 base funding. With a 3.00% boost in FY 2026 and FY 2027, this bill provides much-needed stability for Montana’s schools.
The Legislature also worked to address Montana’s teacher shortage and support educator advancement. HB 252, the STARS Act, stands out as a critical initiative to increase teacher salaries and expand funding for work-based learning and dual credit. Additionally, HB 118 enhances the Military Interstate Children’s Compact, ensuring smoother educational transitions for the children of service members who move around to different states and schools. Efforts also extended to strengthen math and reading outcomes and career opportunities. HB 338 revised targeted early literacy intervention laws to incorporate numeracy, providing better flexibility in evaluating student needs. Meanwhile, HB 357 increases Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding to middle schools, expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Student safety remained a top priority in this session. SB 369 focuses on suicide prevention in schools, mandates clear policies and training for educators to recognize and respond to warning signs, and reinforces vital mental health resources. HB 745 enhances background check requirements for school employees and volunteers, ensuring those in close contact with students undergo rigorous screening. Additionally, SB 245 seeks to provide human trafficking awareness training for school bus drivers, equipping them with crucial tools to help protect vulnerable students.
Finally, Montana values were upheld this session. HB 300 strengthens protections for women and girls in education, granting legal pathways to file discrimination complaints for men and boys who compete in girls' and women’s sports, while safeguarding women’s locker-room spaces and private spaces. Similarly, HB 471 makes it clear that gender identity instruction is not part of traditional sex ed, and if schools are going to introduce topics on gender identity instruction, they must notify parents and have parents opt in. These bills collectively mark a major step forward for Montana’s students, teachers, and families. As the session closes, we extend our appreciation to the Legislature for its dedication to education and safety. Their efforts will help create a stronger, more supportive learning environment across the state.
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