[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6100373,"mediaKeyId","2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065","parentId",2813623,"title","Votes at a glance: key House Education Committee actions and outcomes","audioSeconds",8201,"startMs",182000,"endMs",8383000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065&start=182&end=8383","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065/thumbnail_182000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6100373/Montana/Votes-at-a-glance-key-House-Education-Committee-actions-and-outcomes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100373-f9bd7ff7c0c99c886a8c945eb75b2f7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445510&Signature=ec7gkxRqR9HqqzQ04e14TMY3BJbIr1w3oFmfHfvqYWEv1PIIEQTd0ahxbjffUr9Z1Tb6Ir4IWqwTokw1J0-9SI-M3GNZMIxj~hInO2~gq-Oc9WZpxbG8lzCyUvfBpVPfbQ2m7YEXEc7d0Cjc2wx2ExvGZ2g1pvUsHTNkTqIHs4VpwiMtAgbJHyhNuUGFvCxfngEJ2ryaePo0tndpykkEZpPFeYTwvuEmB~R04m9Qpwtwic0CosdBKsssj6wivoHZJYbh7kQcNm9LAAUmslu-zMYIqQvEoEtIov92L6oIL9rTTechHYaXUSoIDpU5eFF03wDa9kS0tABrgy8PWlDn6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-03-28T00:00:00Z","article","Today's House Education Committee meeting produced a mix of hearings, executive actions and tabling motions; below are the committee's recorded outcomes for distinct bills and formal actions noted on the transcript.

Votes and recorded actions

- Study resolution (early literacy): Motion to draft and introduce an interim study resolution (mover: Vice Chair Romano). Committee indicated support by roll-call/voice; motion approved and staff to work with PADD on drafting.

- HB 860 (Montana Veterinary Workforce Act): Public hearing held; no final committee action recorded during the hearing. Witnesses described program design (annual awards of $25,000 for 4‑year programs / $33,333 for 3‑year programs; four‑year service commitment) and a $425,000 biennial appropriation was discussed; Department of Revenue provided tax‑treatment information.

- HB 866 (terminology change to 'emotional disability'): Motion to pass (executive action) moved by Vice Chair Romano; committee approved by voice (aye) and advanced the bill to the floor.

- HJR 31 (recognition of education support professionals): Motion that HJR 31 do pass (mover: Representative Visley); committee approved by voice vote and recommended the resolution to the House floor; April 3 was named the recognized date for appreciation activities.

- HB 499 (Grow Your Own Grant program revision): Amendment 1.1 was adopted (voice vote). Committee requested the bill go to Appropriations for further consideration (some members flagged additional reporting requirements and requested fiscal review).

- HB 654 (early-literacy related bill): A motion to table the bill prevailed on roll-call 9–6 (tabled); committee recorded tally as 9 to table, 6 against.

- HB 837 (Retired Teacher Induction and Mentoring Program): Committee roll-call recorded 6 for and 9 against passage; the bill was subsequently tabled and retained in committee materials.

- HB 846 (property taxation / isolated pupils reconciliation): Committee voice vote in favor; bill advanced to the floor (passed out of committee).

- SB 107 (school instruction on child trafficking prevention/avoidance): Committee voice vote in favor; bill will move to the floor (passed out of committee); sponsor assignment discussed.

- SB 138 (affirm teacher authority to maintain learning environment): Committee discussion was robust and the item was tabled after committee consideration (action recorded; no final concurrence to pass).

- SB 177 (Community Choice School Commission funding/receipts): Committee concurred (roll-call recorded 9 for, 6 against) and will send concurrence to the floor.

- SB 181 and SB 182 (Indian language and related education bills): SB 181 was amended (amendment 1.3 adopted) and SB 182 concurred; both items were recommended to the floor.

Notes on voting format and tallies: several items were approved by voice vote (no roll‑call tally recorded in the transcript). Where the transcript recorded tallies or roll‑call comments, those counts are included above.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Education - Friday, Mar 28, 2025 15:16 - 17:53","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of committee votes and executive actions taken or recorded during the session: study-resolution request on early literacy; HB 866 advanced; HJR 31 approved; multiple executive actions and tabling decisions recorded for bills under the committee’s agenda.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MT, Montana","taxId",77694,"location","Montana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6100379,"House committee unanimously backs resolution recognizing education support professionals (HJR 31)",1802,3183000,4985000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065&start=3183&end=4985","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065/thumbnail_3183000.jpg","/articles/6100379/Montana/House-committee-unanimously-backs-resolution-recognizing-education-support-professionals-HJR-31","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100379-91dd0dce688a1ceacbc84540fd2c5c45/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445510&Signature=UBdhHhWhlJTSgwRp2U2XzGZUdPfuhUa8k1dhRIET9yIBTbBlfiJke~-SSqj8sHmsvhPrRLlsBYjuihIkX5F~zkfKCgTv6ne2zsBT7nSnVNIqyqCF4DmCptQTsmRNi0lO-03QjJXDkF6-SadsVTy~mOz~ZpgP1atangZWag4BZAZ6C3QPw-FR1TYW0TotiLn3cxgD9KKBN0EZAVBOgnj5qniRvkxAryAKOlRTG3AVoj6WQBMUiKs0aoSfuRtkn1zV89kpoxRZwEmq32-Tk1~Sn-iANhSRC3pvLAMN2JA4r202~xKbmEEg7aFgVvIQ6Iw2beb5Ten8bT8ne2ekZj26Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Denise Joy introduced House Joint Resolution 31, a resolution recognizing education support professionals (ESPs) — paraeducators, custodians, bus drivers, secretaries, food service workers and other classified staff — and asking for recognition of April 3 as Education Support Professional Day.

Proponents included Kim Popham (Montana Federation of Public Employees), Kellen Alger (elementary teacher), Bridal Postma (ESP and MFPE Educational Support Professional of the Year), Jennifer Leligdowitsch and numerous classroom teachers and support staff. Testimony highlighted that ESPs ‘‘are the glue’’ of schools, build student relationships, support vulnerable learners, and often remain in roles despite modest pay because of dedication to students. Witnesses said recognition is overdue and noted the fiscal reality that many ESPs work only the school year.

Committee members commented in support. Representative Strand asked why April 3 was chosen; Representative Joy said April 3 is the nationally recognized day of appreciation for education support professionals. Representative Eisley moved and Representative Visley seconded a motion that the joint resolution do pass; the committee took a voice vote and the resolution was approved and sent to the House floor.

Why it matters: supporters framed the resolution as symbolic recognition of a workforce group that maintains daily school operations and supports student learning; witnesses asked that recognition accompany broader efforts to ensure ESPs can support families and stay employed.

Status: HJR 31 was approved in committee and recommended to the House floor.","The House Education Committee approved House Joint Resolution 31 honoring education support professionals and recommended adopting April 3 as a day of recognition; proponents included classified staff, union representatives, teachers and an award‑winning ESP.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6100384,"Committee advances bill allowing use of ‘emotional disability’ in schools instead of ‘emotional disturbance’ (HB 866)",1590,2351000,3941000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065&start=2351&end=3941","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065/thumbnail_2351000.jpg","/articles/6100384/Montana/Committee-advances-bill-allowing-use-of-emotional-disability-in-schools-instead-of-emotional-disturbance-HB-866","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100384-44f86d5fddab8122af788fb1f8d3c60b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445510&Signature=dlmvbo~cXKifMFCoHpi9SUBBoWTCtCAphtQvJD5q9Fq~lkUVtyPW8loavNbWsBI2Jp0dh8Vu2wl0U8T71oUFLDwyrRq9I1gOxXJLbxXjg1K5mlqQYnjiOvWXyKTC-4P3KqU6ZJ8k1n4UoePH9ssyijcdOSCgMgqaTVVl9rgaLRrmCxRyVd0hJXT1B7hdzxb~5DoBWf0pHR2KmDiHyWax4UxmY75tdj~uMDJd8fINp6UJiBm-3Qcpe3RJqtZjCg4oW8xetoe2hL3hVPrMz6mC-ALj2EqZJzRZ~cDUm6r87EsTcd3jflFzEWfS7lxajVgMgBJC6tDIZ8-DzJcb5Jl8cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Roanoke introduced House Bill 866, a bill that would allow (but not require) Montana public education entities to use the term “emotional disability” in place of “emotional disturbance” when referencing students who qualify for special education services.

Multiple school psychologists, special‑education teachers, child and family therapists and education administrators testified in support. Robbie Rudakovich, director of education at Shodair Children’s Hospital School, told the committee that the current term “emotional disturbance” is dated and stigmatizing; other witnesses including Margaret Montgomery (school psychologist), Maren Marks (special education teacher) and Bridget Neils (special education teacher) described family resistance to the label and said the term “emotional disability” better reflects educational need and aligns with person‑centered language used for other disability categories.

Witnesses and teachers described concrete classroom and IEP meeting impacts: parents feeling alienated by the wording, teachers being uncomfortable using the term in meetings, and instances where parents declined services because of the label. Testimony stressed that the bill does not mandate services, change eligibility, or increase spending; it changes terminology used by districts and requires only minor administrative updates. Sponsor closing remarks reiterated that the bill is about dignity, clarity and enabling families to access supports without stigma.

The committee moved to executive action on HB 866, Vice Chair Romano moved that the committee pass the bill, and the committee indicated unanimous support by voice vote; the committee recorded an aye and moved the bill to the floor.

Why it matters: multiple educators said the shift in terminology is a small statutory change with outsized effects on parent engagement, stigma and school‑family collaboration in IEP processes. Several witnesses noted federal rules still use “emotional disturbance,” but states have moved to updated terminology locally without changing eligibility criteria.

Status: the committee completed executive action and the bill will advance to the floor.","House Bill 866 would permit schools to use the term \"emotional disability\" in place of \"emotional disturbance\" in special education documents; extensive testimony from educators, school psychologists and clinicians emphasized stigma reduction and preserving access to services. The committee voted to pass the bill as executive action.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6100389,"Committee hears broad support for veterinary loan‑repayment bill to address rural shortages (HB 860)",1672,714000,2386000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065&start=714&end=2386","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065/thumbnail_714000.jpg","/articles/6100389/Montana/Committee-hears-broad-support-for-veterinary-loanrepayment-bill-to-address-rural-shortages-HB-860","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100389-b9ec6ef34ed36f6da34b8b2c8e1b9614/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445510&Signature=DZstrcPX7tL2sNrGbsZnXrqLRwt9VHLnA8YQHTTxeNasRqinrWPtlyzWXB7Jf933BzBd~VCIZ9WgsitHYZEug4D1boemr~CTlwb-7HrwILDXpsSfuRSqXPcwyU-X6DgAlqFqNix9Fih4DYcmHO26nwcIPix~oDifAa8XQQUHi806yiZaELQlH7gXGbtN9sJh4rNhwHzXsraMqDOR5qlIVG3lAfB110PUq09F8wyBECzmVoVwQglCeHBBJwuo1KCw6zqcJe1PpKTkNiC9eeuHTO3L2tBPVKatLGaqQvLoc3vhB9abyzhp3vlpn-TkX3hu~WVwvDMtr39IUcwltGqs0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Greg, sponsor of House Bill 860, opened the hearing saying Montana faces a ‘‘severe shortage’’ of veterinarians in rural and underserved counties and proposed a student loan repayment program to incentivize veterinarians to practice in those areas.

Proponents representing veterinary education, producer groups and statewide veterinary associations urged the committee to approve the bill. Jocelyn Cahill of Rocky Vista University College of Veterinary Medicine described the program design: students enrolled in an accredited veterinary program would be eligible for annual reimbursement (up to $25,000 for four‑year DVM programs or $33,333 for three‑year DVM programs) in return for a four‑year service commitment in an area designated by the administering office as underserved. Cahill said preference would be given to Montana residents and that the commissioner (OCHE) would have authority to recover funds if terms were not met.

Ellie Brighton, representing the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Cattlewomen and Montana Association of State Grazing Districts, and Ross Morgan of Rocky Mountain Stock Growers Association described on‑the‑ground shortages in large‑animal coverage and urged passage. Stuart Doggett of the Montana Veterinary Medical Association and Dr. Robert Murtaugh, founding dean at Rocky Vista, also testified in favor, noting 38 of 56 Montana counties have veterinary workforce shortages.

Witnesses clarified program mechanics and funding. Witnesses and sponsors said the draft appropriation seeds a biennium of funding: $425,000 per biennium is in the bill (intended to support cohorts of approximately four new students selected each year), and an administrative line of $20,000 was inserted to support OCHE administration pending the fiscal note. Committee members asked how long the appropriation would last; witnesses explained the appropriation covers the biennium as drafted and the sponsor indicated legislative intent language that the appropriation be considered part of the ongoing base, subject to future legislatures.

Committee members asked how forgiveness is applied: the bill ties forgiveness to service, with one quarter of the award forgiven for each 12 months of continuous service in the designated underserved area, culminating in full forgiveness after four years. If a participant fails to complete the DVM program, fall out of good standing, or fails to meet service obligations, the contractual agreement may be voided and funds recovered. The Department of Revenue witness, Mr. Bell, explained loan forgiveness is federal taxable income; the bill contains language to “back out” forgiven loan income from Montana taxable income on state Form 2.

Several rural veterinarians and cattle producers described difficulty recruiting and retaining veterinarians and urged passage; speakers referenced similar programs in other states (Kansas and the USDA Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program) as models. No opponents testified in the hearing; one informational witness addressed state tax treatment.

Why it matters: sponsors and supporters said rural large‑animal veterinary access is critical to livestock health, public health, and rural economies and that debt burden and lower rural compensation drive new veterinarians toward higher‑paying urban small‑animal practice.

Status: this item was a public hearing; committee discussion focused on mechanics, appropriations, service definitions and tax treatment. No committee vote on final passage was recorded during the hearing.","Lawmakers heard testimony in support of HB 860, a bill to create a veterinary loan-repayment program with a four‑year rural service commitment, an oversight board, and a biennial appropriation to seed initial cohorts.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":44,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":50,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6100394,"House Education Committee approves drafting and introduction of early-literacy study resolution",484,666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2813623-61fa8cd6ba24860c5466633cb9269065&start=182&end=666","/articles/6100394/Montana/House-Education-Committee-approves-drafting-and-introduction-of-early-literacy-study-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100394-de0ea45610d8ed2066bab9b50e614227/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445510&Signature=e59LgUEHhqBEZ35pK72JiMfpeC3QsV2Em9rXfT0i3w0k~ZgEpKHd0GrxShqluJWaUzwyXPLHX-ei6jhwXblTORAseb4GSqzwufTm7bqFo-1omHGy9iFJyWCsLmKBt2ErnE3l-ZtkxGrkpfi3LyX3m84Eq8PcxS7Zs9z7DV4v4Db8PDUpoTuJUP0Vj5D42vmtPXus6qoKZfsddF1lbyHMT0JEu9Whzaj3T0xjllIEsEsnhiGvR-GWIJekf6~MNQTXaVkkLICeM2b4f86Ou2iVrMZlbojYAyaY3hf-LUGubloBBDb6LQlq85jdVz2EhFeQOZhFs7oKc8Ml9C1Kqs71Ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee voted to request drafting and introduction of an interim study resolution on early literacy, taking the step to commission a committee-level review of past and pending early-literacy legislation and funding.

Chair Exton, chair of the House Education Committee, proposed that the committee examine the body of early-literacy bills the Legislature has already passed and chart a comprehensive course for future action. Committee staff member Laura Henke Kibbe explained that House rules allow a committee to request drafting and introduction of a study resolution today and that approval of such a request requires a three‑quarter vote.

Vice Chair Romano moved that the committee both draft and introduce a study resolution on early literacy to avoid missing filing deadlines. Representatives including Bertolli and Estrand voiced support for a committee study. Representative Deming asked about cost; Henke Kibbe explained that an interim study resolution is drafted for the interim and would not carry an immediate fiscal note; if prioritized it would be assigned to the appropriate interim committee and could receive resources through the interim committee process.

The committee took a roll-call-style voice vote with members present indicating support. Chair Exton and staff said researchers (PADD) and committee staff will draft the resolution and that the chair could lead the effort to shepherd a draft back to the committee for review.

Why it matters: committee members said multiple early-literacy bills have been passed but have not coalesced into a coherent long-term approach; committee members framed a study as the mechanism to reconcile prior bills, examine funding, and review successful models from other states.

Next steps: staff and the chair will coordinate with PADD researchers to produce a draft interim study resolution for the committee to review and, if the resolution is prioritized by the Legislature, for assignment to the appropriate interim body.","The Montana House Education Committee voted to request drafting and introduction of an interim study resolution on early literacy, authorizing researchers to prepare a draft for committee review and future prioritization in the interim process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key House Education Committee actions and outcomes

House committee unanimously backs resolution recognizing education support professionals (HJR 31)

Committee advances bill allowing use of ‘emotional disability’ in schools instead of ‘emotional disturbance’ (HB 866)

Committee hears broad support for veterinary loan‑repayment bill to address rural shortages (HB 860)

House Education Committee approves drafting and introduction of early-literacy study resolution