Bill > HB486

This bill revises the compensation structure for deputy sheriffs in Montana by increasing the maximum percentage of the sheriff's salary that can be used to calculate deputy sheriff salaries. Currently, deputy sheriffs' compensation ranges differ based on county population size, with a previous maximum of 95% now being raised to 97%. Specifically, for counties with populations below 15,000, between 15,000-29,999, between 30,000-74,999, and 75,000 and over, deputy sheriffs can now be compensated between 85% and 97% of the sheriff's salary, up from the previous 85% to 95% range. The bill clarifies that "compensation" means base pay rate and excludes longevity payments or overtime pay. Sheriffs retain the discretion to adjust deputy compensation within this range based on a rank structure in their office. The bill also maintains that the sheriff's salary calculation includes total salary provisions outlined in another section of Montana Code Annotated (7-4-2503). This change provides county sheriffs with slightly more flexibility in setting deputy compensation while maintaining a structured approach tied to county population size.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1499