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Committee hears bill to align K‑12 budget calculations with current practice
Summary
Sen. Daniel Emrich introduced Senate Bill 34 to remove obsolete tuition language and clarify K‑12 budget‑limit calculations; supporters said the change codifies existing practice and urged a 'do pass.' Executive action on the bill was scheduled for Jan. 16.
Senator Daniel Emrich introduced Senate Bill 34 to the Senate Education Committee, saying the bill removes obsolete tuition language and clarifies how K‑12 districts’ budget‑limit calculations are made so the law matches current practice.
Lance Melton, executive director of the Montana School Boards Association, testified in support, describing SB 34 as a technical cleanup that preserves alignment between statute and the budgeting methods districts already use. “We strongly support the bill,” Melton said, adding the interim process helps keep code relevant.
Paul Taylor of the Office of Public Instruction served as an informational witness and said he could answer technical questions about budget development. In committee questioning, Senator Benton asked whether the change would be affected by the upcoming 10‑year school‑funding review; Melton said the broader review may address tuition issues, but SB 34 is necessary now and should not disrupt the decennial study.
The hearing closed after sponsor remarks. Senator Emrich urged a do‑pass recommendation. The committee did not take a final vote on SB 34 during the hearing; executive action was scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16.
