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Bill to create 'Celebrate Freedom Week' draws support and worries about local control and standards
Summary
Rep. Greg Oblander's HB591 would require a minimum three hours during a Celebrate Freedom Week for instruction on the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Montana Constitution; proponents praised civics goals while education boards and the Board of Public Education warned statutory mandates could conflict with their standard‑setting authority and pose implementation challenges.
Representative Greg Oblander introduced House Bill 591 to recognize a Celebrate Freedom Week in Montana public schools and require at least three hours of instruction about the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Montana Constitution for pupils in grades 3 through 12, with parental opt‑outs and accommodations for conscientious objectors.
Proponents, including Chris Averill of the Montana 250th commission, praised…
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