MT HB151

Educational sign language interpreters who meet Board of Public Education qualifications become eligible for the Quality Educator Payment and Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program, with loan repayment assistance of up to 3 years state-funded plus 1 additional year funded by the impacted school.

The Montana School for the Deaf and Blind gains authorization to transport residential students between home and school by school bus, in addition to existing options of air carriers, charter flights, and parent transportation contracts.

The definition of "school district" for teacher residency programs and starting teacher pay incentives expands to include special education cooperatives, the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, correctional facilities, and the Montana Youth Challenge Program.

Quality educator payments for entities employing educational sign language interpreters begin in school fiscal year 2026, based on interpreters employed starting July 1, 2024.

Sections 1-5 take effect July 1, 2025; remaining provisions take effect upon passage and approval.