House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise education laws in Montana to better support English learners by establishing state funding for school districts that serve these students. The bill introduces a new funding mechanism that allows public school districts or consortia receiving federal subgrants for programs serving students with limited English proficiency to access state matching funds. Specifically, the Office of Public Instruction will distribute funds based on prior year allocations, with stipulations on how the funds can be used, including developing new language instruction programs and enhancing existing educational activities.

Additionally, the bill provides for professional stipends for highly qualified teachers who hold specific certifications and work with English learners. The stipends are structured to incentivize teachers in high-poverty or impacted schools, with the state covering a significant portion of the stipend costs. The bill includes appropriations of $1 million for the funding of these programs and stipends for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027, and it mandates notification to tribal governments regarding the act. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2025, with a termination date for the provisions related to funding and stipends on June 30, 2031.