Overview: Bill Number: LC 1173, Title: Revise education laws related to advanced opportunities program, Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process, Introduced: November 11, 2024
Purpose and Intent: The goal of this bill is to make changes to Montana's advanced opportunities program, which provides funding and support for high-achieving students to take college-level courses while still in high school.
Key Provisions:
- Expands the advanced opportunities program to include students in grades 7-12, rather than just 11-12
- Increases the maximum number of credits that can be earned through the program from 30 to 45
- Allows students to use program funds for a wider range of educational expenses, including textbooks, exam fees, and transportation
- Requires the Office of Public Instruction to develop a statewide awareness campaign to promote the advanced opportunities program
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Middle and high school students would have expanded access to college-level coursework and increased financial support
- School districts would need to adjust curriculum and budgets to accommodate the expanded program
- The Office of Public Instruction would take on additional responsibilities for program administration and outreach
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill is currently in the draft (LC) stage and has not been formally introduced in the legislature. If introduced, it would need to go through the full legislative process, including committee hearings and votes in both the House and Senate, before potentially being signed into law by the governor. The bill's focus on education policy could make it a priority for the legislature.