Students have a chance to become a legislative page

The Montana Legislature offers a unique opportunity for young people to participate in the legislative process through its Legislative Page Program.  Pages are young men and ladies who are juniors or seniors in high school, or the equivalent homeschool levels, and who are at least 16 years old. Pages assist the House of Representatives and the Senate during their sessions.

The duties of a page are varied, but normally consist of assisting the members of the House and Senate and certain staff members by performing errands on the floor and during committee meetings. Errands include obtaining copies of bills, resolutions, amendments, substitutes and other official documents, as well as delivering messages to and from members. Pages are provided the rare privilege to work on the floor of the House or Senate, in the midst of legislative action. No other members of the public are allowed on the chamber floors during debate.  

Pages typically also get to meet with governor, the attorney general and other high level officials. They get to tour the Capitol and other Helena points of interest.  Generally, it is a full week of hands-on experience and the chance to meet other students from around Montana. And, surprise. It is a paid position.

How to become a page:

In order to become a page, one must be sponsored by a member of the House or Senate. Three steps are necessary to become a page:

1. Express your desire to be a page to your parents or legal guardian and obtain their consent.

2. Contact your House member or senator about sponsorship as either a House page or Senate page.

3. Make arrangements with your school to be excused for your Page week.

Being a page:

Once sponsored, the page will be sent instructions on when and where to report for work. The page coordinator will provide an orientation for pages upon arrival and will fully supervise pages during working hours.  Prospective pages should be aware that a professional dress code applies to all members and staff of the Montana Legislature, pages included.

Students must have their own ability to secure room and board in Helena for the week. Parents, guardians, or other family or friends in the Helena area remain responsible for evening supervision of their children. The page coordinator must be assured the page will have off-duty supervision.  

Each legislator is only allowed to sponsor two legislative pages, so this will be a competitive process. Applications are due Dec. 20, but don’t wait until the last minute.  Each of us will review applications as soon as we get them.    

Students interested should contact Sen. Kris Hansen at krishansen33@gmail.com. Rep. G. Bruce Meyers at gilbertmeyers188@gmail.com; or Rep. Stephanie Hess at stephhess28@gmail.com  to request sponsorship.  The title of the email should be "Request to be a Legislative Page."  Students should explain in the email why they are interested in being a page.

(State Sen. Kris Hansen, R-Havre represnts the 17th District in hte Montana Senate. her district includes all of Liberty County as well as parts of Cascade, Hill and Chouteau counties.)