MT HB509

Expands the Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program eligibility from only educators at "impacted schools" (those with critical shortages) to all newly hired quality educators in Montana public schools

Newly hired educators at impacted schools receive priority for loan assistance payments; remaining funds may be distributed to educators at non-impacted schools

State-funded loan repayment assistance remains capped at a lifetime total of 3 years, with maximum annual payments of $3,000 (year 1), $4,000 (year 2), and $5,000 (year 3)

Superintendent of public instruction must prorate payments if appropriations are insufficient, with educators at impacted schools receiving full funding before any distribution to non-impacted school educators

Effective July 1, 2025, applying to applications submitted on or after that date