The bill amends Section 20-9-326 of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify the legislature's authority regarding school funding inflationary adjustments. Specifically, it allows the legislature to provide inflationary adjustments that differ from those calculated under the existing law, which are capped at 3% per year. The new legal language inserted into the bill states that the legislature, exercising its appropriation and lawmaking authority, may enact inflationary adjustments that exceed the previously established limits.

Additionally, the bill outlines the method for calculating the inflation factor for basic and per-ANB entitlements, which is based on the consumer price index. This calculation is essential for determining the funding levels for various educational entitlements in each fiscal year of the biennium. The amendment aims to provide greater flexibility for the legislature in addressing inflationary pressures on school funding, ensuring that educational institutions can receive adequate financial support.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-9-326
SB0258_1(1): 20-9-326
SB0258_1(2): 20-9-326
SB0258_1(3): 20-9-326
SB0258_1(4): 20-9-326
SB0258_1(5): 20-9-326
SB0258_1: 20-9-326
SB0258_X(1): 20-9-326
SB0258_X(2): 20-9-326
SB0258_X(3): 20-9-326
SB0258_X(4): 20-9-326
SB0258_X(5): 20-9-326
SB0258_X: 20-9-326