The bill revises the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children by clarifying the authority of the Interstate Commission to determine an annual assessment based on the number of children from military families in Montana. It amends Section 20-1-230 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) by replacing references to 10 U.S.C. 12301(d) and 12304 with Title 10, chapters 1209 and 1211, of the United States Code. The bill aims to enhance the educational success of military children by addressing barriers related to frequent relocations and parental deployments, ensuring timely enrollment, appropriate placement, and on-time graduation. It also establishes a state council to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders, including government agencies and military installations. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities and powers of the Interstate Commission, including the ability to adopt rules with the force of law, monitor compliance, and provide dispute resolution among member states. It introduces new language regarding the annual assessment, stating it will not exceed the per-student amount determined by the Commission, and removes the previous cap on state expenditures, allowing the Commission to determine these costs. The bill mandates the appointment of a compact commissioner and a military family education liaison, emphasizing the financial responsibilities of the state's military affairs department to cover all expenses related to the compact. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-1-230
HB0118_1(1): 20-1-230
HB0118_1(2): 20-1-230
HB0118_1(3): 20-1-230
HB0118_1(4): 20-1-230
HB0118_1(5): 20-1-230
HB0118_1(6): 20-1-230
HB0118_1(7): 20-1-230
HB0118_1(8): 20-1-230
HB0118_1: 20-1-230
HB0118_2(1): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(10): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(11): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(2): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(3): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(4): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(5): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(6): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(7): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(8): 20-1-230
HB0118_2(9): 20-1-230
HB0118_2: 20-1-230
HB0118_X(1): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(10): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(11): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(12): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(13): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(14): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(15): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(16): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(17): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(18): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(19): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(2): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(20): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(21): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(22): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(23): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(3): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(4): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(5): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(6): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(7): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(8): 20-1-230
HB0118_X(9): 20-1-230
HB0118_X: 20-1-230