Request interim study on media literacy

69th Legislature HJ 59.1
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 59
1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 59
2 INTRODUCED BY P. STRAND, P. ELVERUM, J. ISALY, J. LYNCH, E. MATTHEWS, L. MUSZKIEWICZ, G.
3 OVERSTREET, M. ROMANO, E. TILLEMAN
4
5 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
6 MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON ENHANCING MEDIA LITERACY THROUGH
7 EDUCATION; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE
8 70TH LEGISLATURE.
9
10 WHEREAS, smartphone and screen media usage among children and adolescents has accelerated
11 greatly in the last decade; and
12 WHEREAS, nefarious actors are utilizing media in ways harmful to children and society; and
13 WHEREAS, it is unlikely that smartphone and screen media usage will decrease; and
14 WHEREAS, enhancing media literacy through education offers the best hope to help children learn to
15 navigate the rapidly changing media landscape and minimize harmful impacts.
16
17 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
18 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
19 That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
20 committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to examine ways in which media literacy can be enhanced
21 through education.
22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee:
23 (1) collaborate in this examination with:
24 (a) state and national organizations with expertise in media literacy education;
25 (b) the Office of Public Instruction;
26 (c) the Board of Public Education;
27 (d) professional educator preparation programs; and
28 (e) teachers of media literacy;
69th Legislature HJ 59.1
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 59
1 (2) develop a basic understanding of what media literacy is and of the impacts on children and
2 society when media literacy is not developed;
3 (3) familiarize itself with current content standards for media literacy within the accreditation
4 standards of the Board of Public Education;
5 (4) gather input from teachers of media literacy about best practices and challenges they face in
6 developing media literacy in students; and
7 (5) review successful efforts to improve media literacy in other states and recommendations from
8 national organizations focused on improving media literacy through education.
9 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
10 requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
11 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
12 comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature.
13 - END -