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.
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.
HB 656 revises the use of the state's Employment Security Account and transfers the Office of Community Service. The bill amends state law to allow funds from the Employment Security Account to be used for administering the Office of Community Service and for enforcing state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, it moves the Office of Community Service from the Governor's office to the Department of Labor and Industry.
HB 428 revises workers' compensation laws, primarily by clarifying the definition of "employer" for various entities and their workers. The bill specifies who is considered an employer for temporary workers, motor carriers, certain religious organizations, and fiscal agents making payments on behalf of workers. It also requires employers and insurers to annually submit reports detailing paid losses to help fund workers' compensation administration. Additionally, the legislation modifies the frequency of summary reports submitted by insurers and revises provisions related to medical status forms.
HB 367 revises Montana's workers' compensation laws, specifically clarifying coverage for employees injured while traveling for work. The bill states that an employer furnishing transportation or reimbursing travel expenses is not the sole factor in determining workers' compensation coverage during travel. Instead, an employee is covered if the travel is necessitated by and on behalf of the employer as an integral part of employment, or if the travel is required by the employer as part of job duties. It also clarifies that certain incentive payments are not considered travel reimbursements for coverage purposes.
SB 208 revises the definition of "dependent child" within the retirement systems for highway patrol officers, police officers, and firefighters. For the Highway Patrol Officers' retirement system, the bill removes the requirement that a deceased member must have been "retired" for their child to be considered a dependent. This means an unmarried child under 18, or under 24 if a full-time student, of any deceased member may now qualify for benefits. The bill also updates the specific age and student status criteria for dependent children in the Police Officers' retirement system, and aims to make similar revisions for firefighters.
HB 143 revises the definition of "treating physician" within the state's Workers' Compensation Act. This bill expands the definition to explicitly include physician assistants (PAs). A key provision is the removal of any requirement for PAs to be in proximity to other medical providers to qualify as a treating physician for these purposes. This change affects how workers' compensation claims are managed and potentially broadens the types of healthcare providers recognized for injured workers.
SB 338 authorizes a "benefits administrator" to receive workers' compensation payments on behalf of minor children or individuals deemed incompetent. This expands the list of parties who can receive such payments, which previously included parents, guardians, or conservators. The bill grants the workers' compensation judge the authority to appoint and terminate these benefits administrators. Parties can petition the judge for this appointment without needing to satisfy other dispute resolution requirements first.
This bill makes Montana's community health aide program permanent by removing its previously scheduled expiration date. It directs the Department of Public Health and Human Services to apply for Medicaid coverage for services provided by certified community health aides. The change directly affects community health aides and their patients, particularly in rural and tribal communities, ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services without future legislative renewal.
