Bill > HB553

This bill amends Montana's Military Higher Education Act to provide clearer protections and accommodations for military service members attending educational institutions. The bill defines new terms like "annual training" and "inactive duty training" as federally funded duty performed under specific U.S. Code titles, and clarifies existing definitions for active duty and eligible students. The legislation requires faculty to provide make-up opportunities for students who miss coursework due to inactive duty training or annual training, with specific procedural requirements. Students must provide notice to faculty at least 5 business days in advance of their absence (unless military necessity requires shorter notice), and faculty must then give students at least 15 business days to complete missed assignments, exams, or finals, consistent with accreditation requirements. If an educational institution determines a shorter make-up period is necessary due to financial aid or graduation requirements, the make-up period cannot be less than 5 business days. The bill maintains existing protections that prevent denying admission to students based on military service and ensures that students returning from active duty can be readmitted with their previous academic status whenever possible.

Education

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3687