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MontanaSB 36269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise firefighter qualifications

Sponsored By: Tony Tezak (Republican)

Became Law

Local GovernmentCity OfficersFires and Fire Protection

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Basic hiring rules for firefighters

The law sets basic hiring rules for city firefighters. You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. You must be at least 18 years old. You must have a high school diploma or an approved equivalency. You must have or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.

Criminal record checks and hiring discretion

All firefighter applicants are fingerprinted and checked against local, state, and national records. If you were convicted of a crime that could lead to state or federal prison, you are generally disqualified. A fire chief can still approve an applicant with a misdemeanor or felony. The chief cannot approve anyone who must register as a sexual or violent offender.

Medical fitness exam and written record

You must pass a medical exam by a doctor, PA, or advanced nurse chosen by the employer. It cannot be your personal clinician. The exam must find you are free of mental or physical conditions that would harm job performance. The result must be written and filed with the city or town clerk. It must state whether you can do the usual physical work of firefighters.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tony Tezak

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Daniel Zolnikov

    Republican • Senate

  • Kerri Seekins-Crowe

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 283 • No: 15

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 94 • No: 5

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 43 • No: 7

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 47 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/8/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/5/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/25/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/25/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/21/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/12/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/11/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/10/2025House

  10. Committee Report--Bill Concurred

    4/9/2025House

  11. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred

    4/8/2025House

  12. Hearing

    3/28/2025House

  13. First Reading

    3/17/2025House

  14. Referred to Committee

    3/7/2025House

  15. Transmitted to House

    3/6/2025Senate

  16. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/6/2025Senate

  17. 2nd Reading Passed

    3/5/2025Senate

  18. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    3/1/2025Senate

  19. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    2/28/2025Senate

  20. Hearing

    2/21/2025Senate

  21. Referred to Committee

    2/21/2025Senate

  22. First Reading

    2/19/2025Senate

  23. Introduced

    2/19/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/12/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/19/2025

    PDF

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