This bill amends Section 20-4-134 of the Montana Code Annotated to increase the professional stipends for teachers who hold certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The annual stipend for eligible teachers will be adjusted to an amount equivalent to 50% of the quality educator payment for the applicable year, with a maximum of $1,500 for those meeting basic criteria. For teachers in high-poverty or impacted schools, the stipend will increase to an amount equivalent to 85% of the quality educator payment, with a maximum of $2,500.

Additionally, the bill outlines the state's contribution towards these stipends, specifying that for the first stipend, the state will cover 50% of the maximum amount, with a cap of $1,000, and for the second stipend, the state will cover 55% of the maximum amount, capped at $2,000. The bill also establishes that the effective date for these changes will be July 1, 2025, and they will apply to stipends paid for school years beginning on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-4-134
HB0260_1(1): 20-4-134
HB0260_1(2): 20-4-134
HB0260_1(3): 20-4-134
HB0260_1(4): 20-4-134
HB0260_1(5): 20-4-134
HB0260_1(6): 20-4-134
HB0260_1(7): 20-4-134
HB0260_1: 20-4-134
HB0260_X(1): 20-4-134
HB0260_X(2): 20-4-134
HB0260_X(3): 20-4-134
HB0260_X(4): 20-4-134
HB0260_X(5): 20-4-134
HB0260_X: 20-4-134