House Bill No. introduced by F. Nave and K. Seekins-Crowe establishes a Montana correctional education program within the Department of Corrections aimed at providing educational opportunities for inmates. The program will include offerings for high school equivalency diplomas and adult basic education. To qualify as an instructor for these programs, individuals must be at least 18 years old, possess good moral character, and meet specific educational or experience criteria, such as holding an associate or bachelor's degree, having a teaching certificate from another state, or having prior teaching experience. Notably, the bill specifies that the Department of Corrections cannot mandate that instructors hold a Montana teacher or specialist certificate.

Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Corrections to adopt policies to determine inmate eligibility for participation in the education program. The provisions of this act are intended to be codified as part of Title 53, chapter 30, part 1, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.