All Roll Calls
Yes: 394 • No: 0
MontanaSB 48769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET
Revising laws related to the Montana end of watch trust
Sponsored By: Barry Usher (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Law EnforcementRule Making
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Five years of support for injured or fallen officers
The law pays up to 60 monthly checks to a catastrophically injured officer or the officer’s immediate family after a death. The first 12 months pay $7,000 per month. Months 13–60 pay $7,000 minus half of the officer’s workers’ comp and half of the officer’s state retirement benefit. Beginning July 1, 2025, the $7,000 level is adjusted each year by inflation (CPI) or 3%, whichever is less. Immediate family means the spouse and legal dependent children under 18. A catastrophic injury must be a work‑related physical injury that permanently prevents any work. If an injured officer later dies, the family may receive the remaining months, but no extra months are added. Payments require medical proof of maximum medical improvement and permanent total disability.
How the End of Watch Trust runs
The State Treasurer moves realized earnings each month from the trust into a special account to pay obligations. Spending from that account needs a legislative appropriation. All trust payments are protected from creditors under state law. DOJ may take up to 15% of interest and earnings it receives to run the program. If excess interest above principal is used and appropriated for trust‑related litigation, the same amount must be replaced from the general fund the next fiscal year. DOJ can accept donations, make rules, and support a five‑member board that reviews applications and meets at least yearly.
How to apply and keep payments
The trust only pays after the board approves an application. You can appeal a denial under the state’s contested‑case process. Each year, you must submit an attestation within 30 days of the first‑payment anniversary or payments stop. A surviving spouse must report remarriage within 30 days. Before funds are paid, you must list all legal children under 18 with their birthdates. The trust uses workers’ comp definitions for maximum medical improvement and permanent total disability.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Barry Usher
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/5/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 48 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/4/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 48 • No: 0
House vote • 4/1/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 99 • No: 0
House vote • 3/31/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 100 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 50 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 49 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/5/2025SenateSigned by Governor
5/1/2025SenateTransmitted to Governor
4/22/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
4/18/2025HouseSigned by President
4/13/2025SenateReturned from Enrolling
4/5/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/5/2025Senate3rd Reading House Amendments
4/5/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments
4/4/2025SenateRevised Fiscal Note Printed
4/3/2025SenateFiscal Note Unsigned
4/2/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/1/2025House3rd Reading
4/1/2025HouseRevised Fiscal Note Received
4/1/2025Senate2nd Reading
3/31/2025HouseCommittee Report
3/27/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action
3/27/2025HouseHearing
3/19/2025House1st Reading
3/17/2025HouseReferred to Committee
3/17/2025HouseTransmitted to House
3/7/2025Senate3rd Reading
3/6/2025Senate2nd Reading
3/6/2025SenateFiscal Note Printed
3/6/2025SenateFiscal Note Unsigned
3/5/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/5/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
3/27/2025
Introduced
2/25/2025