The bill revises participation in the Firefighters' Unified Retirement System by amending sections 19-13-104 and 19-13-210 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Key changes include the definition of "Employer," which now explicitly includes fire authorities and authorities having jurisdiction for an airport. Additionally, the bill clarifies the participation requirements for cities and rural fire districts, allowing those not covered under existing provisions to elect to join the retirement system through an ordinance or resolution. This includes stipulations for firefighters regarding their options to remain in the public employees' retirement system or join the new retirement system. Furthermore, the bill establishes that firefighters hired by the Montana Air National Guard after a specified date will participate in the retirement system. It also outlines the process for existing firefighters to make a one-time, irrevocable decision regarding their retirement system affiliation. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19-13-104, 19-13-210