Labor & Employment (Workforce Development)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 8, 2025

LC 942: Revising working retiree provisions under TRS

This bill updates Montana's Teachers' Retirement System rules to allow retired teachers, specialists, and administrators to return to full-time work without losing their retirement benefits. To qualify for reemployment, retired educators must have completed at least 30 years of service before retirement, hold a valid teaching certificate, and be hired only after their employer certifies they could not fill the position with a non-retired candidate. The bill also requires employers to continue contributing to the retirement system on behalf of reemployed retirees and exempts them from standard earnings limits that apply to active members. These changes are effective July 1, 2029, and will terminate on June 30, 2029.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands reemployment opportunities for retired educators without reducing benefits, strengthening labor flexibility and protecting worker rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 28, 2025

LC 1116: Revise TRS laws related to reemployment

This bill allows retired teachers from Montana's Teachers' Retirement System to return to full-time work for the Superintendent of Public Instruction without losing their retirement benefits. To qualify, retirees must have at least 27 years of service and have received retirement payments for at least two months, while the Superintendent must certify that no qualified non-retired applicants were available for the position. The employer must continue making retirement contributions for these reemployed retirees, and the program is limited to a maximum of five years per individual with a sunset date of June 30, 2031.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allows retired teachers to return to work without losing benefits, supporting educator workforce retention and flexibility.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill allows retired teachers to return to work without losing benefits, expanding employment opportunities and protecting retirement benefits for educators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 12, 2025

LC 1012: Generally revise laws related to MEDIA Act film tax credits

This bill revises Montana's film tax credit program to expand incentives for media production companies operating in the state. It increases the total credit limit available, extends the program through 2045, and creates a new fee specifically for workforce training in the film industry. The legislation also introduces higher credits for hiring veterans and tribal members, establishes rules reserving credits for Montana-based businesses, and clarifies definitions around compensation and eligible production activities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands film tax credits and creates workforce training fees, strengthening state film industry incentives and revenue generation through targeted tax policy.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates workforce training fee, establishes incentives for hiring veterans and tribal members, and clarifies compensation definitions, strengthening labor development in film industry.75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill introduces higher tax credits for hiring veterans, directly supporting veteran employment and economic opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Workforce Development

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signed · Montana · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 326: Generally revise laws related to MEDIA Act film tax credits

SB 326 revises Montana's MEDIA Act film tax credits, extending them through 2045 and increasing the aggregate credit limit. The bill provides additional tax credits for production companies that hire veterans and enrolled tribal members. It establishes a fee for unused allocated credits, with these funds directed to a new film industry workforce training account to support workforce development. These changes aim to expand job opportunities and encourage investment in Montana's media manufacturing sector.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends film tax credits through 2045, increases credit limits, adds credits for veteran/tribal hiring, and uses fees to fund workforce training - expanding tax incentives and directing funds for industry development.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides tax credits for hiring veterans/tribal members and funds workforce training, directly expanding employment opportunities and supporting labor development.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides tax credits for hiring veterans, directly incentivizing veteran employment through legislative funding mechanism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 565: Creating the Montana endowment for early childhood and related structure

SB 565 creates a permanent Montana Endowment for Early Childhood, funded by quarterly state transfers and fees from renewed childcare facility licenses. It establishes a 7-member board (including state agency staff and community representatives) to manage the endowment and allocate funds from the Montana Early Childhood Account. The bill directs funds toward grants for childcare workforce development, quality improvements (like safety upgrades), affordability programs (including subsidies), and emergency assistance for childcare providers. These funds directly support early childhood programs, providers, and families accessing childcare services across Montana.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates permanent endowment funding childcare workforce development, quality improvements, and affordability subsidies, directly expanding early childhood educational access and support.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds childcare workforce development and safety upgrades, directly advancing worker conditions in early childhood sector per bill's allocation priorities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Workforce Development

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signed · Montana · House May 8, 2025

HB 346: Exempt Commerce grants and loans from MEPA

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.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts Commerce programs from MEPA environmental reviews, weakening oversight and protections by removing required assessments for projects.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts housing finance programs from MEPA, facilitating implementation and supporting housing development as explicitly listed in bill summary.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill exempts workforce training programs from MEPA reviews, facilitating faster implementation of employment-focused initiatives under Department of Commerce programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Historic Preservation Housing Finance Property Development Workforce Development

signed · Montana · House May 8, 2025

HB 349: Revise TRS laws related to reemployment

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables experienced retired teachers to return to K-12 roles without losing benefits, supporting educator retention and school staffing needs.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAllows eligible retired teachers to return to full-time work without losing retirement benefits, expanding access to employment while preserving worker benefits.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

died · Montana · Legislature May 22, 2025

LC 2217: Provide for in-demand skilled trades investment pilot program

Bill LC 2217 proposed a pilot program to provide state funding for training and apprenticeships in high-demand skilled trades, such as construction and manufacturing, targeting workers facing labor shortages. The bill would have allocated resources to support workforce development initiatives directly benefiting workers seeking career opportunities and employers needing qualified staff. However, the bill was assigned to a drafter in December 2024 but died in the legislative process on May 22, 2025, without becoming law.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill allocates state funding for skilled trades training/apprenticeships, directly supporting workers' career opportunities and addressing labor shortages in high-demand sectors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 336: Provide for apprenticeship programs for certain license types

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.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes apprenticeship pathway for professional licenses, expanding workforce access to regulated professions and advancing employment standards under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Workforce Development Tags Licensing