The bill amends Section 20-9-326 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the legislature's authority regarding school funding inflationary adjustments. Specifically, it allows the legislature to provide inflationary adjustments that differ from those calculated under the existing law, which are capped at 3% for each year of the biennium. The amendment states that the legislature, exercising its appropriation and lawmaking authority, may enact laws that permit inflationary adjustments exceeding the 3% limit.

Additionally, the bill outlines the method for calculating the inflation factor for basic and per-ANB entitlements, which is based on the consumer price index. The adjustments are intended to ensure that school funding can keep pace with inflation, thereby supporting educational funding needs more effectively. This legislative change aims to provide greater flexibility in funding adjustments to better address the financial requirements of schools in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-9-326
SB0258_1(1): 20-9-326
SB0258_1(2): 20-9-326
SB0258_1(3): 20-9-326
SB0258_1(4): 20-9-326
SB0258_1(5): 20-9-326
SB0258_1: 20-9-326
SB0258_X(1): 20-9-326
SB0258_X(2): 20-9-326
SB0258_X(3): 20-9-326
SB0258_X(4): 20-9-326
SB0258_X(5): 20-9-326
SB0258_X: 20-9-326