This bill aims to revise the laws governing the School Funding Interim Commission in Montana by updating its membership, establishing a deadline for appointments, and designating a presiding officer. Notably, the bill introduces a new focus for the commission during the 2025-2026 interim, which includes forming an "Innovation and Excellence in Education Working Group." This group is tasked with developing recommendations and an implementation plan to enhance the quality of public education in Montana. The bill also specifies that appointments to the commission must be made by April 1 of the year it is formed and outlines the composition of the commission, which now includes representatives from various educational stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $10,000 from the general fund to support the commission's activities in May and June 2025. The working group is required to conduct a benchmarking study comparing Montana's education policies with those of high-performing systems and to publish its recommendations by January 30, 2026. The presiding officer of the joint appropriations education standing subcommittee will lead the commission, which will also include members from the board of public education, the office of public instruction, and the governor's office, among others.

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(2): 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