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Bill

LC 4239

Authorize religious counsellors in public schools

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill would have permitted religious counsellors to provide services in public schools before dying in the legislative process.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 4239

Legislative bill overview

Bill LC 4239 would authorize religious counsellors to operate in Montana's public schools, allowing faith-based individuals to provide counseling services to students. The bill did not advance through the legislative process, dying in committee during the 2025 session.

Why is this important

This proposal raises questions about the proper role of religious expression in tax-funded public institutions and student access to secular mental health support. The authorization of religious counsellors could either expand support resources available to students or create concerns about religious establishment and equal treatment in schools, depending on implementation details.

Potential points of contention

  • Separation of church and state: Whether authorizing religious counsellors in public schools violates constitutional principles requiring government neutrality on religion
  • Counselor qualifications and oversight: Unclear standards for religious counsellors' training, credentials, and accountability compared to licensed school counselors
  • Student access and equity: Questions about whether all students would have equal access to secular counseling options and how parental consent would be handled

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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