MT HB340

Creates the Montana B.E.S.T. (Bolstering Educators' Support and Training) program administered by the Office of Public Instruction to pair early career teachers (first 3 years) with experienced mentors in the same content area or grade level for 1-year structured training

Appropriates $1 million per year from the state general fund for the 2025-2027 biennium as a one-time-only appropriation

Provides $2,500 stipends for mentor teachers and $600 stipends for early career teachers, with school districts required to contribute a minimum of $300 toward each early career teacher stipend

Limits administrative costs to 15% of state funding and requires annual reporting to the education interim committee on program status and impacts

Effective July 1, 2025 and terminates June 30, 2031; participation is voluntary at the discretion of local school district boards of trustees