Bill > SB253

This bill revises administrative processes for student scholarship organizations (SSOs) in Montana, primarily focused on enhancing transparency, accountability, and certification requirements. The bill mandates that SSOs must now apply for and obtain certification from the Department of Revenue before accepting tax-credit-eligible donations, with certifications valid for up to two tax years. To maintain certification, SSOs must meet several key requirements: allocate at least 90% of annual donations to scholarships, allow parents to choose any qualified education provider (not limiting scholarships to a single type of provider), provide scholarships that do not exceed the per-pupil average of public school expenditures, and maintain separate scholarship and operating funds. The bill also increases reporting transparency by requiring SSOs to publish detailed information on their websites, including scholarship application processes, lists of education providers receiving scholarships, and a statement affirming parents' choice of education providers. Additionally, the Department of Revenue must maintain a public website listing certified SSOs, their scholarship policies, and details about scholarship distributions. The legislation includes a one-time appropriation of $206,000 to support implementation and is set to take effect in stages during 2025, with most provisions becoming active on October 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3480