Bill > HB151

This bill makes several key changes to educational laws in Montana, focusing on recruitment and retention of educators and improving support for the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB). The bill expands the definition of "quality educators" to include educational sign language interpreters who meet specific qualifications established by the Board of Public Education, making them eligible for quality educator payments and loan assistance programs. It broadens the teacher residency program to include more types of educational entities and allows the MSDB to transport resident students between home and school using school buses. The legislation also modifies incentive programs for school districts meeting starting teacher pay benchmarks, ensuring that more educational entities can qualify for these payments. Additionally, the bill includes coordination instructions to manage potential overlaps with other pending legislation and sets effective dates for different sections of the bill, with most provisions becoming effective on July 1, 2025. The primary goal is to support educational professionals, particularly in underserved or specialized educational settings, by providing financial incentives and improving transportation and professional development opportunities.

Education

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0043