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Bill Summary · HJ 67

Summary — HJ 67: Study resolution on impacts of federal funding changes on OPI and OCHE

Bill number: HJ 67
Title: Study resolution on impacts of federal funding changes on OPI and OCHE
Primary sponsor: Rep. Connie Keogh
Classification: Joint resolution (study)
Status: (H) Died in Process

Purpose / intent

HJ 67 was a legislative study resolution directing an interim review of how changes in federal funding would affect Montana’s education agencies — specifically the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE). The resolution sought to identify programmatic, fiscal, and operational consequences of federal funding shifts and to inform future legislative or budget responses.

Key elements (as implied by title and classification)

The official text is not included in the summary materials provided. Typical elements of a study resolution of this type (and items likely intended by HJ 67) would include:
- Charge to an interim committee or work group to examine federal funding changes (e.g., reductions, expirations, or formula shifts).
- Scope to assess impacts on K–12 programs (via OPI) and higher education programs/institutions (via OCHE).
- Tasks such as quantifying funding changes, identifying programs at risk, assessing compliance and reporting burdens, and estimating state costs to backfill lost federal funds.
- A requirement to produce findings and recommendations to the Legislature (often with a written report and possible statutory or budget recommendations).

Because the full bill text is not provided here, specific membership, deadlines, required deliverables, or appropriation instructions (if any) are not known.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies: OPI and OCHE (direct subjects of the study).
  • Local entities: school districts, K–12 programs, community colleges and universities that receive federal funds.
  • Students, educators, and administrators reliant on federally funded programs (special education, Title I, student financial aid, workforce programs, etc.).
  • State budget and policymakers — the study’s recommendations could influence future appropriations or policy changes.

Legislative/procedural history

  • Drafting began Dec 10, 2024 (drafter assigned).
  • Introduced in the House: April 18, 2025; referred to House Education; first reading same day.
  • Committee hearing: April 22, 2025; committee executive action April 23; committee report passed April 24.
  • Scheduled for 2nd reading April 25, 2025 — 2nd reading not passed.
  • Final status: Died in Process (May 22, 2025).

HJ 67 replaced LC 2638 (per bill metadata).

Potential impact

If enacted, the study would have provided the Legislature with an evidence base on how federal funding shifts affect K–12 and higher education in Montana, potentially leading to recommended statutory changes or state budget adjustments. Because the resolution died in process, these formal findings and recommendations were not developed under HJ 67.

For the full text or fiscal note (if prepared), consult the legislative bill files or the Office of Legislative Services for the 2025 session.

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

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