The Montana Legislature's House State Administration Committee convened on March 1, 2025, to discuss House Bill 812, which aims to provide support for classified employees in K-12 school districts, particularly those working nine and ten months a year. Proponents of the bill, including Jennifer Leligdowicz, a classified employee and president of the Billings Classified Employees Association, emphasized the financial struggles faced by these workers during the summer months when they lack income. Leligdowicz highlighted that many of her nearly 500 members often take on additional jobs to make ends meet, which can be challenging due to high childcare costs.

Another supporter, Britton Postma, a classified employee at the University of Montana, echoed these sentiments, advocating for fair treatment of low-paid workers who often juggle multiple jobs. Both proponents urged the committee to pass the bill to alleviate the financial burden on these employees.

However, the bill faced opposition from Lance Melton, representing the Montana School Boards Association and other educational groups. Melton raised concerns about a technical flaw in the bill that could render it ineffective. He pointed out that the legislation does not include a mechanism for funding the new obligations it imposes on schools, which is required by existing law. Melton also noted that similar bills in the past had included clauses to address unfunded mandates, which are absent in this proposal.

The committee's discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by classified employees in Montana's education system, as well as the complexities of legislative processes surrounding funding and mandates. The outcome of House Bill 812 remains uncertain as the committee continues to evaluate its implications.