MT HB499

Extends the Grow Your Own grant program termination date from June 30, 2027 to June 30, 2029, with the program aimed at developing teacher pipelines for rural and reservation school districts

Shifts grant eligibility from school districts to postsecondary institutions (Montana university system units, tribal colleges, or community colleges), which must partner with at least one eligible school district

Removes the requirement for the Commissioner of Higher Education to convert scholarship grants to loans if recipients fail to become licensed or teach in shortage areas within specified timeframes

Appropriates $500,000 from the general fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, intended as ongoing base funding

Maintains scholarship provisions providing up to $5,000 per year (maximum $10,000 total) for students in teacher preparation programs who commit to teaching in schools impacted by quality educator shortages