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Bill

LC 1354

Provide for educational credit for students volunteering in long term care, nursing home, home care, and child care settings

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill creates educational credits for students volunteering in long-term care, nursing homes, home care, and child care settings to boost workforce participation.

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Bill Summary · LC 1354

Legislative bill overview

Bill LC 1354 would establish an educational credit system for Montana students who volunteer in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, home care settings, and child care facilities. The bill appears designed to incentivize student volunteerism in sectors facing workforce shortages while potentially providing academic or other benefits to participating students.

Why is this important

Montana's care sector faces significant workforce challenges, and student volunteers could help address staffing gaps while gaining practical experience. Educational credits tied to volunteer work could increase student participation in these essential services and help expose younger generations to careers in caregiving fields.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "educational credit": Unclear whether this means academic course credit, high school graduation credits, or some other form of recognition, which could affect implementation across different school systems
  • Labor law implications: Questions about whether student volunteers might displace paid workers or whether volunteer work in care settings raises liability, supervision, and regulatory compliance issues
  • Equity concerns: Students with transportation and flexible schedules may have greater access to volunteer opportunities, potentially creating unequal benefits across socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Program administration: Unclear how schools would verify volunteer hours, coordinate with care facilities, or ensure quality supervision of student volunteers

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

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