The bill amends sections of Montana's education laws to clarify the funding and enrollment counts for children participating in early literacy jumpstart programs, particularly when these programs are offered outside of the child's resident district. It establishes that eligible children in jumpstart programs will be counted as quarter-time enrollment by the district providing the program for Average Number Belonging (ANB) calculations. Additionally, the bill specifies that children from non-resident districts participating in these programs do not need an out-of-district attendance agreement and are exempt from certain tuition laws.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the superintendent of public instruction regarding the funding and monitoring of these programs, including the requirement for annual reporting on program efficacy and student progress. It also sets a retroactive applicability date for early literacy jumpstart programs conducted after the end of the 2025 school calendar year, ensuring that the changes will impact both past and future programs. The effective date for the bill is July 1, 2025, aiming to enhance educational opportunities for young learners and streamline administrative processes related to their enrollment and funding.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1(1): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1(2): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1(3): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1(4): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1(5): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1(6): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1(7): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1(8): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1(9): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_1: 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_X(1): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_X(2): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_X(3): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_X(4): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_X(5): 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
SB0035_X: 20-7-1804, 20-9-311