This bill, requested by the Education Interim Committee, aims to revise school funding laws in Montana by clarifying that calculations for significant enrollment increases must be made at the budget unit level within school districts. Specifically, it amends Section 20-9-166 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to state that all enrollment increases must be calculated separately for each budget unit of a school district. The bill outlines the process for districts to apply for increased state transportation reimbursement and significant enrollment increase payments, detailing eligibility criteria and the timeline for notifications and budget amendments.

Additionally, the bill establishes an effective date of July 1, 2025, and specifies that it will apply to school fiscal years beginning on or after this date. The revisions aim to ensure that districts receive appropriate financial support in response to enrollment changes, thereby enhancing the overall funding framework for education in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-9-166