Committee hears bipartisan support to expand teacher loan-assistance eligibility where funds go unused

Representative Dubbo Powers presented House Bill 509 to modify the Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program so that beginning teachers in impacted schools retain priority, but any leftover program funds could be used for beginning teachers in other parts of the state. Powers said the program has been underused — roughly 63% of allocated funds have been used over the last five years — and the bill aims to increase uptake without adding new state spending (fiscal note = $0).

Proponents included leaders from the Coalition of Advocates for Montana’s Public Schools, the Montana Federation of Public Employees, tribal representatives, and school administrators. Witnesses described teacher shortages across rural and urban districts, low entry-level pay compared with neighboring states, and barriers such as housing costs. The bill’s supporters said expanding eligibility when funds remain would help more new teachers receive assistance and aid recruitment and retention without increasing the program’s appropriation.

Committee members asked about program definitions and qualifying criteria; witnesses explained the definition of "impacted schools" and noted that emergency-authorized teachers may not qualify for the benefit, which contributes to unused funds. Sponsor closed noting the bill's bipartisan support and zero fiscal impact stated in the fiscal note.