The bill aims to establish the Students with Special Needs Equal Opportunity Act and the Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account Program. It outlines eligibility requirements and allowable expenses for students with special needs, while also detailing the responsibilities of parents, school districts, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The legislation emphasizes the autonomy of participating private schools and provides a framework for funding special needs education savings accounts. Additionally, it establishes the Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Trust and includes provisions for appropriations and rulemaking authority.

To implement these changes, the bill amends Section 17-7-502 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) and introduces new legal language to clarify the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the education system. The bill is designed to enhance educational opportunities for students with special needs, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for their success.

Statutes affected:
HB0393_1.pdf: 17-7-502
Introduced: 17-7-502