Rep. Dennis Himmelberger, R-Billings, who oversaw Saturday's floor session, issued the order during debate on the bill, but reconsidered after appeals from several lawmakers.
He later joined House leaders in lecturing the body about decorum.
The gallery crowd, which included teachers, school officials but not state's schools chief Linda McCulloch as earlier reported, stood and applauded after comments from bill opponents despite a warning from Himmelberger.
Rep. John Ward, R-Helena, said afterward he was disgusted by the gallery's behavior, calling it "absolute buffoonery," and said he voted against the bill "despite their actions."
Lawmakers ended up killing the measure, 76-24, although it could be brought back for another vote. Opponents called the bill a "slap in the face to the teaching profession" and said it would lower teaching standards too far.
"This bill would allow districts to hire anyone to teach their children," said Rep. Holly Raser, a Democrat and Missoula teacher.
Currently, only the Office of Public Instruction can certify public school teachers in Montana.
Rep. Roger Koopman, R-Bozeman, one of several conservative bill sponsors, doesn't think that's fair. He believes many others are qualified to teach Montana's schoolchildren, and wanted to give school districts the ability to hire those people without losing their accreditation.
His measure would have allowed school districts to make someone a teacher if they pass a criminal background check, are of "good moral character," have knowledge about the subject they would teach and can communicate effectively with students.
After a year, the district could recommend the candidate for state certification based on student achievement during that time.
"This is a bill that basically is an act of trust on our part in the wisdom and judgment of our school districts," Koopman said. "We say we believe in local control. This allows (districts) to have that local control."
Supporters said the bill would help fill teacher vacancies in the state's remote areas and bring more flexibility, competition, openness and choice to the education system.
"The biggest detriment to doing a good job for education in this state has been the (teacher) unions," Rep. Dave Kasten, R-Brockway, said.
Koopman, who home-schooled his four children, said it's not the state's place to regulate local hiring decisions and urged lawmakers to give people who want to teach, but can't afford to go back to college, a chance to get in the classroom.
Rep. John Musgrove, a Democrat and retired teacher from Havre, called the bill a "bad idea," and said the state already gives teaching candidates other ways to become certified.
"Why would we want to lower the bar for becoming a teacher in the state of Montana?" said Rep. Wanda Grinde, D-Billings, also a retired teacher.
The bill is House Bill 230.
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