20-26-617. Montana STEM scholarship program state special revenue account. (1) There is a Montana STEM scholarship program account within the state special revenue fund established in 17-2-102. The purpose of the account is to fund the Montana STEM scholarship program. The account is administered by the board through the office of the commissioner of higher education.

(2) There must be paid into the account the lottery net revenue calculated pursuant to 23-7-402. Every student who is eligible under the provisions of 20-26-615 and 20-26-616 must be awarded a Montana STEM scholarship.

(3) If the amount in this account is greater than the amount required to fund the scholarships as required by subsection (2), the excess funds may be carried over and used to fund scholarships in the next fiscal year.

(4) The board may use up to 1% of the funds transferred into the account in each fiscal year for costs related to administering the Montana STEM scholarship program.

(5) This account is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, to the board for the Montana STEM scholarship program established in 20-26-614 through 20-26-616.