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House committee advances interim study on special education in Montana
Summary
The House Education Committee voted unanimously to advance House Joint Resolution 51, asking an interim study of special education to review funding, regulations and staffing statewide and to coordinate with OPI and the Board of Public Education ahead of the decennial study.
Representative Melissa Romano, R., representing House District 80, opened House Joint Resolution 51 on the need for an interim study of special education in Montana, saying the motion is not intended to create new mandates or add spending but to inform future policy.
Proponents included Jessica Reynolds, a speech-language pathologist with Helena Schools and a representative of the Montana Speech Language Hearing Association, who testified that special-education cases and regulatory complexity have increased and that rural districts struggle to recruit staff and coordinate multiple funding streams. Online proponent Shyla Paterra of North Central Independent Living Services urged a ‘‘refresher course’’ for legislators and better supports for teachers and paraprofessionals. Jennifer Hensley (Montana Speech Hearing Association and Ability Montana) said more data would improve decision-making.
Romano acknowledged the study should be timed to inform the legislature’s decennial study; Representative Thane asked whether a timeline could be required so interim findings would feed into that larger review. Romano said she would look into coordinating the study timeline.
On executive action, Vice Chair Melissa Romano moved that HJ 51 do pass; staff summarized the request as an interim study on special education. The committee took a voice vote and recorded unanimous support; proxy ayes were entered for Representatives Tillman and Gregg and for Representative Kerri Sikkens Crowe. The committee will transmit the resolution to the floor.
The resolution asks the interim committee to examine how special-education services are delivered across the state, including rural access, funding streams and administrative responsibilities, and to consult OPI, the Board of Public Education, local special-education directors and families. No specific funding was included in the study request; Romano said the interim study could recommend funding if needed.
The committee closed the hearing and moved HJ 51 to the House floor.
