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Lawmakers hear testimony on media‑literacy bill amid questions over definitions and classroom time
Summary
Representatives heard testimony for House Bill 508, a policy statement encouraging media‑literacy instruction; proponents cited mental‑health and civic benefits while opponents warned of added burdens on teachers and overlap with existing standards.
Representative Kelly Cordum opened House Bill 508 by describing the changing information environment and urging the committee to "empower our students with the tools to survive in this ever changing brave new world." She began her remarks with the oft‑quoted line, "Do not believe everything you read on the Internet," and told members that she provided an amendment with definitions to clarify terms used in the bill.
Proponents told the committee that media literacy aligns with library and information standards and is increasingly important for student mental health, civic participation and critical thinking. Ella Smith, testifying for the Montana Library Association, said the bill "aligns with content standards for library media and information literacy for ninth through twelfth graders" and…
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