Committee hears bill giving Guard and Reserve college students 15 business days to make up missed graded events

Helena — Representative George Nikolicakos presented House Bill 553 to the House Education Committee, saying the bill sets a reasonable baseline of 15 business days for members of the National Guard and Reserve who miss graded work because of inactive duty training (IDT) or annual training (AT).

Brigadier General Renee Dorval, deputy director for the Department of Military Affairs, testified in support and described how modern training schedules (longer drill periods and multi‑day gunnery events) increase the likelihood a servicemember will miss graded coursework. Dorval said giving members 15 business days to make up missed work ‘‘makes sense and takes care of the citizen warriors’’ and prevents academic harm tied to service.

Lieutenant Colonel Todd Wayne of the Montana Army National Guard provided informational testimony on who the statute covers and clarified the intent applies to reserve component service members (guard and reserve) conducting IDT and AT; active duty mobilization and other accommodations are covered under other statutory language.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about scope (who counts as an eligible student) and whether the statute would conflict with university extension practices; witnesses said the statute provides a baseline accommodation and would not prevent professors or institutions from offering longer extensions.

Next steps: The hearing concluded with sponsors and military witnesses standing by for questions; no committee vote was recorded in the transcript excerpt.