MontanaSB 33869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise workers' compensation insurance related to who may receive payments

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Workers’ comp offsets highway patrol salary

If a highway patrol member is getting a state salary benefit, any workers’ compensation payments owed go to the Montana Department of Justice. The money offsets that salary benefit until the member is no longer eligible for it.

Judge-appointed helper for kids and incapacitated adults

A workers’ compensation judge can appoint a “benefits administrator” to pursue or receive payments for a child under 18 or an adult a court has found incompetent. Payments owed to these claimants must go to the parent, court‑appointed guardian or conservator, or the judge‑appointed benefits administrator. A written receipt from that person releases the employer, insurer, or the department from any further liability for that payment. A claimant, an insurer, or the uninsured employers’ fund can ask the judge to appoint a benefits administrator without finishing dispute‑resolution steps first. The judge can also end the appointment.

Two-year deadline after benefits denial

You must file your petition for a hearing with the workers’ compensation judge within two years after your benefits are denied. If you miss this two‑year deadline, you may be barred from getting a hearing.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Greg Hertz
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Anthony Nicastro
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 298 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/1/2025