Bill > SB487

This bill revises laws related to the Montana End of Watch Trust, which provides financial support to law enforcement officers who suffer catastrophic injuries in the line of duty or to their surviving family members. The bill makes several key changes, including requiring applications for payments to include a workers' compensation determination of permanent and total disability, allowing legal children of an officer to continue receiving payments after they turn 18 in certain circumstances, and providing the Department of Justice with rulemaking authority. The bill clarifies definitions of terms like "catastrophic injury" and "in the line of duty," and modifies the eligibility and payment processes for the trust. The monthly payments, which are $7,000 for the first 12 months and subject to potential adjustments in subsequent months, will be reduced by half of the workers' compensation and state retirement monthly benefits. The bill also establishes a five-member board to oversee the trust, consisting of representatives from various law enforcement associations and the Department of Justice, who will review applications and determine eligibility. Additionally, the bill ensures that local governments continue to provide health insurance coverage for injured officers or their families for at least four months after the catastrophic injury or death.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0030