Bill > SB208

This bill updates the definition of "dependent child" in the retirement systems for highway patrol officers, police officers, and firefighters across three different sections of Montana law. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing definition to explicitly include secondary educational institutions alongside postsecondary institutions for dependent children between 18 and 24 years old. Under the current law, dependent children are defined as unmarried individuals either under 18 years old or under 24 years old and attending an accredited postsecondary educational institution full-time. The new language adds "secondary or" before "postsecondary educational institution," which means that dependent children attending high school (secondary education) will now also qualify for benefits while being under 24 years old. This change ensures that children pursuing both secondary and postsecondary education can be considered dependents for retirement benefit purposes, potentially providing more comprehensive coverage for families of retired highway patrol officers, police officers, and firefighters. The bill amends sections 19-6-101, 19-9-104, and 19-13-104 of the Montana Code Annotated to implement this definitional update.

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https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1064