The bill establishes a state policy on early literacy instruction, mandating that such instruction in public schools be evidence-based and incorporate scientifically supported components. It emphasizes that reading instruction should not rely on ineffective strategies, specifically disallowing approaches that teach reading through context, structure, syntax, visual cues, or memory, including the three-cueing system. The bill outlines specific requirements for early literacy instruction, which must be direct, systematic, explicit, and responsive, and include essential components such as phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Additionally, the bill defines "evidence-based" as strategies or interventions that are supported by high-quality research and demonstrate a likelihood of improving student outcomes. The bill is intended to be codified as part of Title 20, chapter 7, part 1 of the Montana Code, and it specifies that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025.