2025 Priority Issue Area: Indigenous Justice

The ACLU of Montana is dedicated to support Indigenous voices in securing and enshrining rights in several legislative spaces such as childcare, voting rights and education. We intend to make strides on issues where we have already seen success, like improving the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act (MICWA). In that vein, we hope to make improvements to Indian Education For All (IEFA), to ensure Montana’s children receive accurate lessons on the history of our state, and so that Indigenous students see themselves and their history represented.

During the 2025 Montana legislative session, we tracked the following legislation that could impact Indigenous rights:

 SB 147, the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act (MICWA), protecting Native children, preserving tribal sovereignty, and addressing systemic disparities in Montana’s child welfare system. SB 147 passed in both the Montana House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Gianforte. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTED this bill.

 SB 181, a revision to the Education For All (IEFA) Act, enhancing the constitutional obligation by requiring schools to collaborate with Montana tribes to create culturally responsive curriculums; mandates transparency and annual reporting to track IEFA implementation; provides better oversight of how IEFA funding is used, preventing harmful misuse; and ensures educators receive training on Native history and culture. SB 181 passed in both the Montana House and Senate, and has been signed into law by the Governor. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTED this bill.

SB 182, enhancing the Montana Indian Language Preservation (MILP) program, revises existing education laws to better support the preservation of American Indian cultural integrity as outlined in the Montana Constitution. SB 182 passed in both the Montana House and Senate, and has been signed into law by the Governor. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTED this bill.

SB 220, the Montana Native Americans Voting Rights Act (NAVRA), ensuring that Native American communities have equitable access to voting infrastructure, addressing long standing disparities in election accessibility. This bill did not make it through the 2025 legislative session, meaning it will not become law. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTED this bill.

SB 224, establishing Indigenous People's Day, adding Indigenous Peoples' Day to be the list of state-recognized holidays in Montana; Indigenous Peoples' Day would be observed on the second Monday in October, alongside Columbus Day. This bill passed in both the Montana House and Senate, and has been signed into law by the Governor. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTED this bill.

SB 319, expanding access to doulas, establishing a definition and scope of practice for doulas, allowing insurance reimbursement for doulas, and increasing access to doula care for Montana families. This bill passed in both the Montana House and Senate, and has been signed into law by the Governor. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTED this bill.

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