Bill would clarify funding for out‑of‑district participants in Jump Start early‑literacy program

Senate Bill 35, carried by Senator Daniel Emrich at the request of the Education Interim Committee, would clarify how enrollment and funding counts are applied when a child participates in a Jump Start early‑literacy program in a district other than the child's resident district.

The sponsor told the committee the bill specifies that "an eligible participant in a Jump Start program provided by a district other than the child's resident district does not require an out of district attendance agreement, and is not subject to the tuition requirements in 25 dash 320 and 25 dash 5 dash 324." The bill also includes retroactive applicability intended to cover Jump Start programs that begin in the summer of 2025.

Rob Watson, representing School Administrators of Montana and CAMPS (Coalition of Advocates for Montana's Public Schools), said the bill clarifies enrollment for a summer Jump Start program and helps students who may be in a different community during the summer. He said, "we support this bill," and estimated about 1,900 students participated in Jump Start last summer. Sarah Froehlich of 0 to 5 Montana testified the bill "removes unnecessary barriers" and urged the committee to support expanded access for families.

Committee members asked for clarification about the bill's retroactive applicability. Staff explained that school calendars vary by district and the retroactivity is intended to capture Jump Start programs that start in June and span two school fiscal years; one staff member described it as covering June 2025 programs. A fiscal note included with the bill showed a $0 balance; the sponsor and proponents said the change clarifies where existing money should be applied rather than increasing total spending.

Senator Emrich closed by encouraging a "do pass" recommendation. The committee scheduled executive action on the bill at its Jan. 16 meeting.