**** 69th Legislature 2025 HB 508.1 - 1 - Authorized Print Version β HB 508 1 HOUSE BILL NO. 508 2 INTRODUCED BY K. KORTUM, L. REKSTEN 3 4 A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: βAN ACT ESTABLISHING A LEGISLATIVE GOAL FOR PUBLIC 5 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO SUPPORT INSTRUCTION IN MEDIA LITERACY; AND 6 AMENDING SECTION 20-1-102, MCA.β 7 8 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: 9 10 Section 20-1-102, MCA, is amended to read: 11 "20-1-102. It is the goal of the 12 legislature that Montana's public elementary and secondary school system, in cooperation with parents or 13 guardians, create a learning environment for each student that: 14 (1) develops a sound foundation for literacy and numeracy during the early years that is built upon 15 on and reinforced throughout the educational experience; 16 (2) furthers the ability to reason critically, creatively, and strategically; 17 (3) fosters the ability to effectively understand and communicate ideas, knowledge, and thoughts; 18 (4) develops a sense of personal and civic responsibility; 19 (5) provides an in-depth understanding of the American political, social, and economic systems 20 and the historical context from which they arose; 21 (6) provides familiarization with political, social, and economic systems found elsewhere in the 22 world; 23 (7) strengthens media literacy, including: 24 (a) developing the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of 25 communication; and 26 (b) reducing susceptibility to disinformation, misinformation, propaganda, and indoctrination. 27 (7)(8) develops a strong work ethic, postsecondary readiness, and employment skills; 28 (8)(9) encourages a healthy lifestyle; and **** 69th Legislature 2025 HB 508.1 - 2 - Authorized Print Version β HB 508 1 (9)(10) supports instruction of financial literacy, where students obtain the knowledge and skills 2 required to succeed financially." 3 - END -