Bill > SB291

This bill revises the workers' compensation laws in Montana by amending the definition of "wages" to require the Department of Labor and Industry to annually update its administrative rules regarding the valuation of lodging as part of an employee's compensation. Specifically, the bill adds language mandating that the lodging value guidelines must be updated yearly and should take into account the geographic proximity to available housing and other reasonable factors affecting value. The bill maintains the existing comprehensive definition of wages, which includes various forms of compensation such as commissions, bonuses, overtime pay, tips, and income for sole proprietors and partners. The changes aim to ensure that the valuation of lodging as part of an employee's wages remains current and reflective of local housing market conditions. This annual update requirement will help provide more accurate and up-to-date calculations for workers' compensation benefits, ensuring that the valuation of non-cash compensation like lodging remains fair and responsive to changing economic conditions.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0664