MT HB361

School districts receiving federal subgrants under 20 U.S.C. 6825 for English learner programs become entitled to state matching funds of up to $2 for each federal dollar allocated, distributed by the Office of Public Instruction by January 31st each year.

Teachers with culturally and linguistically diverse certificates or ESL endorsements who serve English learners receive annual stipends equal to 50% of the quality educator payment amount, with the state paying 50-75% depending on district matching contributions.

Teachers meeting stipend criteria who work in high-poverty schools or impacted schools receive enhanced stipends equal to 85% of the quality educator payment amount, with the state covering 55-85% based on district contributions.

Appropriates $1 million annually for district matching funds and $75,000 annually for teacher stipends from the state general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

The funding provisions terminate June 30, 2031, and the Secretary of State must notify each federally recognized tribal government in Montana of the act's passage.