Bill > HJ67

This bill requests the Legislative Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of federal directives affecting the Office of Public Instruction and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education since January 20, 2025. The committee will analyze the potential impacts of these federal changes on state and local government programs, focusing on how reduced federal funding might affect agency operations, budgets, personnel, and program sustainability. Specifically, the committee will examine how potential federal workforce reductions could impact these educational offices' project operations and overall functionality. The committee is required to present its findings to various interim committees, including policy and budget committees, and complete the study before September 15, 2026. The final results, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations, will be reported to the 70th Legislature. This bill is primarily a proactive measure to understand and prepare for potential federal funding changes that could significantly impact Montana's educational infrastructure, with nearly 14% of the Office of Public Instruction's budget and 5% of the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education's budget coming from federal sources.

Education

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2638