68th Legislature HJ 20.1
1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20
2 INTRODUCED BY E. MATTHEWS, R. FITZGERALD, J. BERGSTROM, J. LYNCH
3
4 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
5 MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF INCORPORATING REGIONAL COST ADJUSTMENTS
6 IN MONTANA'S SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE
7 STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 69TH LEGISLATURE.
8
9 WHEREAS, the median market value of residential property in Montana school districts varies by more
10 than a factor of 10; and
11 WHEREAS, a growing number of states include regional cost adjustments in their school funding
12 formulas as a way of ensuring funding equity; and
13 WHEREAS, Montana's current school funding formula contains no adjustments for the cost of providing
14 educational services to students; and
15 WHEREAS, the lack of cost adjustments in the school funding formula may negatively impact a school
16 district's ability to provide students with the equality of educational opportunities guaranteed in the Montana
17 Constitution.
18
19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
20 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
21 That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
22 committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:
23 (1) investigate various metrics to determine the extent and degree of regional cost differences that
24 impact a school district's necessary expenditures, both indirectly and directly;
25 (2) examine how other states have incorporated regional cost adjustments in their school funding
26 formulas; and
27 (3) determine whether the incorporation of cost adjustments to Montana's school funding formula
28 would help to ensure funding equity and, in doing so, support the guarantee of equality of educational
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68th Legislature HJ 20.1
1 opportunity contained in Montana's Constitution.
2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be
3 presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
4 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
5 requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.
6 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
7 comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.
8 - END -
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