The bill revises the laws governing the School Funding Interim Commission, specifically updating its membership and focus for the 2025-2026 interim. It establishes a deadline for appointments to the commission, requiring that they be made by May 1 in the year the commission is formed. Notably, the bill removes the designation of an interim presiding officer and modifies the commission's objectives to include the formation of an "Innovation and Excellence in Education Working Group." This group is tasked with developing recommendations and an implementation plan aimed at improving the basic system of free, quality public elementary and secondary schools.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific duties for the working group, including conducting a benchmarking study of education policies, adapting successful policies from high-performing systems, and identifying objectives to enhance student performance in Montana. The commission is also appropriated $10,000 from the general fund to support its activities in May and June 2025. The bill emphasizes a more structured approach to school funding, aiming for a formula that is understandable, equitable, and prioritizes current student needs while minimizing administrative burdens.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 5-20-301
HB0153_1(1): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(10): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(11): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(12): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(2): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(3): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(4): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(5): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(6): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(7): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(8): 5-20-301
HB0153_1(9): 5-20-301
HB0153_1: 5-20-301
HB0153_2(1): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(10): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(11): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(12): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(13): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(14): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(15): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(16): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(17): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(18): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(19): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(2): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(20): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(21): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(22): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(3): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(4): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(5): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(6): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(7): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(8): 5-20-301
HB0153_2(9): 5-20-301
HB0153_2: 5-20-301
HB0153_3(1): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(10): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(11): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(12): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(2): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(3): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(4): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(5): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(6): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(7): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(8): 5-20-301
HB0153_3(9): 5-20-301
HB0153_3: 5-20-301
HB0153_X(1): 5-20-301
HB0153_X(2): 5-20-301
HB0153_X(3): 5-20-301
HB0153_X(4): 5-20-301
HB0153_X(5): 5-20-301
HB0153_X: 5-20-301