Veterans

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 23, 2025

LC 4217: Allow all persons serving in the reserves to be eligible for certain CDL waiver

This bill amends Montana law to allow all persons currently or formerly serving in reserve military components to qualify for waivers of certain commercial driver's license tests. Under the new provisions, eligible service members can request exemptions from skills and knowledge tests if they have operated commercial vehicles in their military roles and meet specific safety and driving history requirements. The legislation requires applicants to provide evidence of their military employment, verify they have not had license suspensions or serious traffic violations, and confirm they have not been at fault in any accidents during the relevant time periods. These changes apply to individuals seeking standard, passenger, tank vehicle, or hazardous materials endorsements based on their documented military driving experience.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands benefits for reserve military personnel by allowing CDL test waivers, recognizing their service and facilitating employment opportunities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 3, 2025

LC 1933: Revising the disabled veteran property tax assistance program

This bill updates Montana's disabled veteran property tax assistance program to include veterans rated between 60% and 90% disabled, in addition to those rated 100% disabled. It establishes income-based tax rate reductions for eligible veterans and their spouses, with higher assistance percentages for those with higher disability ratings. The legislation also introduces annual verification requirements to confirm eligibility each year based on income, disability status, and residency. These changes apply immediately and affect property tax calculations for qualifying veterans and surviving spouses in Montana.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief to disabled veterans, expanding assistance to those with 60-90% disability ratings and establishing income-based reductions, directly supporting tax relief for vulnerable populations.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands disabled veteran property tax assistance to include 60-90% disabled veterans, establishing income-based tax reductions and higher assistance for higher disability ratings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 6, 2025

LC 635: Adopting the social work licensure compact

This bill adopts the Social Work Licensure Compact, which would allow licensed social workers to practice across multiple states with a single multistate license instead of needing separate licenses in each state. The legislation creates a commission to oversee the compact and establish a shared data system for tracking licensure, disciplinary actions, and continuing education among member states. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, support for military families, and the ability to use telehealth services while maintaining each state's authority to protect public health and safety. Social workers would remain accountable to the laws of the state where their client is located at the time care is provided, even while holding a multistate license.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill facilitates social work licensure across states, improving access to mental health and social services professionals, which supports healthcare delivery and patient access.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly mentions support for military families as a key provision, which benefits veterans and their dependents through streamlined social work services.70% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Public Health Telehealth Memorials & Recognition

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 17, 2025

LC 4434: Confirm governor's appointee for the board of veterans' affairs

This bill confirms Governor's appointment of Jen Dalrymple to the Montana Board of Veterans' Affairs, allowing her to serve on the board until August 1, 2027. The resolution formally approves the appointment submitted by the Governor on January 16, 2025, following state law requirements for Senate concurrence. Once confirmed, the Senate will send copies of this resolution to the Secretary of State and the Governor to complete the appointment process. This action directly affects the composition of the veterans' affairs board and establishes Dalrymple's official role within the state agency.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill confirms appointment to Veterans Affairs board, strengthening oversight and governance of veteran services and benefits.90% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 17, 2025

LC 3073: Eliminate state income taxes on veterans retirement

This bill would exempt military pensions, retirement benefits, and survivor benefits from Montana state income tax. It directly affects veterans and their families who receive these benefits and currently pay state income tax on them. The legislation amends existing state tax code sections to establish this exemption and repeals a previous 2023 provision that may have affected this area. The bill also includes updated definitions for various tax terms to ensure clarity in how the exemption is applied.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief to veterans by exempting their retirement benefits from state income tax, directly supporting fiscal relief for a specific group.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill exempts veteran retirement benefits from state income tax, directly protecting and strengthening financial benefits for veterans and their families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Veteran Benefits

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 14, 2025

LC 3693: Provide for a property tax deferral loan program

This bill establishes a property tax deferral loan program in Montana to help eligible homeowners manage rising property tax costs. The program directly affects senior citizens aged 62 and older, active-duty military personnel from Montana, and surviving spouses of qualifying property owners who meet specific equity and residency requirements. Under the bill, the state Board of Housing can provide loans to cover the difference between current property taxes and 2022 tax amounts, with annual increases allowed as long as eligibility is maintained. The loans accrue simple interest at the lesser of the prime mortgage rate or 5% and become a lien on the property, requiring homeowners to carry hazard insurance and meet income and equity thresholds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax relief to seniors and military through deferral loans, directly supporting tax assistance for vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes property tax deferral loans for seniors and military to help manage housing costs, directly supporting affordable housing access for vulnerable populations.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill includes active-duty military personnel from Montana as eligible recipients of property tax deferral loans, providing financial assistance to veterans.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Mortgages Property Taxes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 17, 2025

LC 3387: Revising the disabled veteran property tax assistance program

This bill updates Montana's disabled veteran property tax assistance program to include veterans with disability ratings between 60% and 90%, expanding eligibility beyond the current 100% rating requirement. The legislation establishes income-based tax rate reductions using a sliding scale that adjusts assistance percentages based on household income and disability status, with specific thresholds for single individuals, married couples, and surviving spouses. Key provisions include annual verification of income and veteran status, inflation adjustments to income limits using the PCE price index, and expanded definitions for primary residence to allow multiple dwellings if the taxpayer lives in them for at least seven months annually. The bill amends existing state code sections to implement these changes immediately and applies to tax years beginning on or after the date of enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands property tax assistance for disabled veterans, providing tax relief to lower-income households and strengthening support for veterans through fiscal policy.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands eligibility for disabled veteran property tax assistance to include ratings between 60-90%, strengthening financial benefits for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 29, 2025

LC 4030: Revise laws related to health insurance coverage of behavioral health screening

This bill requires health insurance policies issued or renewed in Montana to cover behavioral health screening assessments using standardized, evidence-based tools at no cost to the insured. It specifically applies to individual disability policies, state employee group benefit plans, disability insurance offered in the state, and self-funded multiple welfare employment arrangements. The legislation amends existing state laws to mandate this coverage while also updating provisions related to continued group plan membership for retirees, surviving spouses, judges, and legislators.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for behavioral health screenings at no cost to insured, expanding access to mental health services and protecting patient rights.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates coverage for behavioral health screening, which supports veteran mental health services and healthcare access.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 6, 2025

LC 1352: Revise the Montana interstate compact on educational opportunities for military children

This bill updates Montana's adoption of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which helps students of military families maintain educational continuity when their parents move or deploy. The legislation clarifies how the state commission can calculate annual assessment fees based on the number of military children in Montana and corrects outdated references to federal law. Key provisions require schools to facilitate timely enrollment, transfer education records efficiently, and ensure equal access to programs and extracurricular activities for military children across member states. The bill amends existing state code to formalize these interstate agreements and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens educational continuity for military children by updating interstate compact, ensuring timely enrollment and transfer of education records.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill strengthens educational continuity for military children, supporting veterans' families by ensuring school access during deployments or relocations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Testing & Assessment Military Families

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 12, 2025

LC 1835: Creating family and medical leave act

This bill establishes Montana's Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, creating a state-run insurance fund that provides paid leave for eligible employees and self-employed individuals to care for family members with health conditions, bond with new children, or address military family needs. The program requires contributions from covered employers and employees, with benefits contingent on sufficient fund solvency and determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. Eligible workers must have earned qualifying wages and paid contributions into the fund, while the law also protects job rights and health information privacy for those using benefits. The legislation amends existing Montana code sections and includes provisions for public outreach and notifications about the new program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes paid family and medical leave to care for family members with health conditions, improving access to healthcare support and protecting workers' health needs.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes paid family and medical leave insurance, expanding worker benefits and protecting employee rights in Montana.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill includes specific provision for military family needs, providing paid leave for veterans' family care requirements75% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave Military Families

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