The bill amends sections of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify the funding and enrollment counts for children participating in early literacy jumpstart programs, particularly when these programs are offered in a school district other than 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, it specifies that children from a non-resident district participating in jumpstart programs do not require 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 funding and reporting on early literacy interventions, mandating annual reports on program efficacy and student progress. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2025, with retroactive applicability to early literacy jumpstart programs conducted after the end of the 2025 school calendar year. This legislative effort aims to enhance educational opportunities for young learners and streamline the administrative processes associated with their enrollment in early literacy programs.

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: 20-7-1804, 20-9-311