This bill expands Montana's job growth incentive tax credit program to include apprentices working in the construction industry. It amends state tax laws to officially classify construction apprentices as "qualifying new employees" for the purpose of calculating tax credits when employers hire them. Companies hiring apprentices in construction can now receive the same annual tax credit benefits as those hiring other new employees, provided the apprentices meet specific wage and employment duration requirements. The legislation also updates administrative procedures for how the Department of Labor and Industry processes credit applications and audits employer claims. These changes are set to remain in effect through December 31, 2028.
HB 769 revises the calculation of meal allowances for certain employees, specifically those who work night-shift hours. The bill amends existing state law to establish new timeframes for evening, midnight, and early morning meal allowances for night-shift employees. These allowances are applicable when an employee is traveling for more than three continuous hours during the specified night-shift periods. The bill also maintains existing provisions for non-night-shift employees and general eligibility rules based on an employee's travel shift.
SB 316 revises disability retirement benefit provisions for members of the Municipal Police Officers' Retirement System (MPORS) and the Firefighters' Unified Retirement System (FURS). It specifies that disability retirement benefits for these members will remain disability benefits, rather than converting to service retirement, once they reach normal retirement age, and will no longer require medical examinations. The bill also clarifies the calculation of line-of-duty disability benefits based on years of service. These changes apply retroactively to MPORS and FURS members who became disabled in the line of duty on or before January 1, 2025.
HB 563 protects individuals who file or participate in investigations related to professional licensing complaints. The bill voids any contract provisions that prohibit or discourage someone from filing a complaint or cooperating with an investigation against a licensee. It also defines being party to such a prohibitive contract or retaliating against a complainant as "unprofessional conduct" for a licensee. This measure ensures that general waivers of claims cannot be interpreted to restrict these specific types of complaints.
HB 823 revises the State Plan Committee, which oversees career and technical education in Montana. It expands the committee by adding three new members appointed by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, representing the state workforce innovation board, business, and labor communities. The bill also coordinates the committee's meetings with the Montana State Workforce Innovation Board and requires its state plan to align with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act combined state plan.
This bill revises and expands supplemental employer contributions to several state retirement systems, directly impacting state and local government employers and the retirement funds for their employees. For the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), it extends the schedule of increasing supplemental employer contributions through fiscal year 2035 and then sets a higher rate. Additionally, the bill introduces new supplemental employer contribution rates for the Highway Patrol Officers' Retirement System, the Sheriffs' Retirement System, and the Game Wardens' and Peace Officers' Retirement System. These new contributions are intended to help address unfunded liabilities and cover the normal cost of benefits for these specific systems.
HB 346 exempts various grant and loan programs from environmental review requirements under the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). This bill directly affects the Department of Commerce, Board of Housing, and other commissions by removing the need for environmental assessments when authorizing or administering these specific programs. The exemptions apply to programs supporting microbusiness development, historic preservation, workforce training, housing finance, and other economic development initiatives. This aims to streamline the process for providing financial assistance through these identified programs.
HB 349 establishes a temporary program allowing certain retired members of the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) to return to full-time work for the Superintendent of Public Instruction without losing their retirement benefits. To be eligible, retired teachers must have been receiving benefits for at least two months, have 27 or more years of service, and the Superintendent must certify an inability to find a non-retired qualified applicant for the position. These reemployed retirees can work for a maximum of five years and are exempt from standard earnings limits for retirees. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, as the employer, is required to make contributions to the TRS for these individuals. This act is effective immediately and terminates on June 30, 2031.
SB 223 amends an existing law to ensure that any interest or income earned from a $12 million fund for workforce housing is retained within that fund. This fund is specifically allocated to assist employees working at state facilities that house state inmates or behavioral health patients, particularly in eligible rural counties. By retaining the earned interest, the bill aims to increase the total resources available for initiatives such as buying down construction costs, providing loans, or acquiring housing for these employees. The bill takes effect immediately and applies retroactively to interest earned on or after June 14, 2023.
HB 336 establishes an alternative pathway for individuals to obtain professional licenses in various occupations through apprenticeship programs. It requires state boards and programs to grant licenses to applicants who successfully complete a nationally recognized apprenticeship in their field. This applies to a wide range of professions, including barbers, cosmetologists, addiction counselors, licensed practical nurses, plumbers, and electricians. Applicants pursuing licensure via an apprenticeship must still meet the same examination and fee requirements as those who complete traditional educational programs.
