The bill revises Montana's education laws to enhance clarity regarding kindergarten enrollment and funding calculations. Key amendments include the establishment of minimum aggregate hour requirements for kindergarten programs, mandating that they meet at least half-time requirements as specified in Section 20-1-301. The previous designations of kindergarten programs as either half-time or full-time have been removed, allowing for greater flexibility in enrollment options. Additionally, the bill stipulates that children who turn five by September 10 must be accommodated in kindergarten programs, and parents are permitted to enroll their children half-time if a full-time program is available.

Further changes involve the calculation of Average Number Belonging (ANB) for funding, with provisions for students demonstrating proficiency in specific content areas. The bill also requires school boards to provide comprehensive information on educational opportunities to students and families, aligning with the intent to support personalized learning. It updates terminology from "average number belonging" to "ANB" throughout the text and outlines circumstances under which a school district's ANB may be increased. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, applying to school fiscal years beginning on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_1(1): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_1(2): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_1(3): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_1(4): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_1(5): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_1(6): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_1: 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_2: 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(1): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(10): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(11): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(12): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(2): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(3): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(4): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(5): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(6): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(7): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(8): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X(9): 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313
HB0024_X: 20-1-301, 20-3-205, 20-3-326, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313