1. (1) There is a Montana correctional education program within the department of corrections. The Montana correctional education program shall offer a program for inmates to participate in opportunities in the state prison to further their education, including but not limited to programs to attain a high school equivalency diploma and to participate in adult basic education.

2. (2) To be eligible to be an instructor for a high school equivalency diploma program or an adult basic education program in the state prison, a person:

   1. (a) must be 18 years of age or older;
   2. (b) must be of good moral character; and

   3. (c) shall provide proof that the person has at least one of the following qualifications:

      1. (i) completion of an associate degree in any field;
      2. (ii) completion of a bachelor's degree in any field;
      3. (iii) a teaching certificate issued by another state; or
      4. (iv) prior teaching experience, including prior military training and experience pursuant to 37-1-145.
3. (3) The department of corrections may not require that an instructor hold a Montana teacher or specialist certificate issued by the superintendent of public instruction.
4. (4) The department of corrections may adopt policies to determine which inmates are eligible to participate in the Montana correctional education program.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 321, L. 2025.