A bill in the state Legislature seeking to regulate science curriculum in public schools got its first hearing Monday. The legislation’s sponsor says by banning scientific theories, the policy aims to prevent kids from being taught things that aren’t true.
More than 20 people testified against Senate Bill 235, concerned that it could keep teachers from including gravitational theory, evolution and cell theory in curriculum.
Mia Taylor is a sophomore at Helena High School. She told the committee, "If we remove scientific theory from science curriculums, what can be taught will be limited. It is the school's job to educate its students."
The bill is sponsored by freshman Republican Senator Daniel Emrich from Great Falls. In his testimony, Emrich said the bill would make sure students are taught what a scientific fact is.
"If we operate on the assumption that a theory is fact, unfortunately, it leads us to asking questions that may be potentially based on false assumptions," Emrich said.
A legal note from legislative staff says the bill could overstep the Board of Public Education’s constitutional authority to oversee schools in the state.
The committee did not take immediate action on the bill.
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David Restivo, NPS (PD)/The park will host a series of public meetings on its ticketed entry program pilot later this month. The ticketed entry system has received scrutiny from some of Montana’s congressional delegation for unnecessarily restricting locals’ access to the park. -
Jesse James Mullen has filed campaign finance paperwork for the statewide seat in the 2024 election. Mullen is the owner of Mullen Newspaper Company and a former candidate for the state’s House of Representatives.
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Sally Mauk/Montana Public RadioA group of state Republican lawmakers have signaled their support of U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale running for the U.S. Senate. The move is contrary to top Republican officials who handpicked candidate Tim Sheehy.
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (PD)/The commission that oversees management of Montana’s fish and wildlife is meeting in Helena on Aug. 17. Commissioners will vote on hunting, fishing and trapping regulations in the meeting.
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iStock./Some Medicaid provider rates are rising as a result of policy passed this year. The question is, will that be enough to make a meaningful difference, or will it simply maintain the status quo?
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A federal district court judge Friday put a temporary block on a new state law banning drag performances where minors could be present.
