Bill > HB516

This bill transfers the workers' compensation judge from the Department of Labor and Industry to the Montana judicial branch, specifically under the supervision of the Supreme Court. The bill establishes a new Workers' Compensation Court, with the judge to be appointed by the governor for a 6-year term, similar to other judicial appointments. The judge must have qualifications equivalent to a district court judge and work full-time, without engaging in private legal practice. The Supreme Court will now supervise the workers' compensation court, paying expenses and salaries from a newly created Workers' Compensation Court Fund, which will receive annual transfers from the Department of Labor and Industry's workers' compensation administration fund. The bill also provides a transition plan ensuring that current personnel retain their existing rights, including potential retirement system options. Specifically, the current workers' compensation judge can elect to remain in their current public employees' retirement system by notifying the retirement board by October 1, 2025. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and are designed to integrate the workers' compensation judicial functions more closely with the state's broader judicial system while maintaining continuity of operations and personnel rights.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0876