Committee hears bill to index national‑board stipends to QEP; supporters say it helps recruit and retain teachers

Representative Luke Muszkiewicz presented House Bill 260 to index Montana’s stipend for National Board Certified teachers to the Quality Educator Payment (QEP), updating flat dollar amounts to percentages of the QEP so stipends rise with legislatively set inflation adjustments. The sponsor explained that the change increases the maximum regular stipend from $1,500 to about $1,892 and the high‑poverty/impacted maximum from $2,500 to $3,216 under QEP assumptions in the fiscal note. The fiscal note projected the state would see minimal net budget change in the near term given existing base funding, with modest annual increases thereafter.

Proponent testimony emphasized the rigor and impact of National Board Certification (NBC): nationally certified teachers bring sustained professional growth, mentor colleagues and improve student outcomes, proponents said. Several national‑board certified teachers and education organizations testified in support, and staff from TRS and other organizations were available to answer fiscal questions. Committee members asked about evidence of student outcomes, the time and cost to achieve certification, and whether stipend increases make the state regionally competitive; witnesses cited national research and gave anecdotal classroom examples.

Outcome: The hearing closed without a recorded committee vote in the provided transcript; sponsor urged a do‑pass. The bill would take effect if advanced by committee and adopted by the Legislature.