The proposed bill establishes a Montana National Guard Enlistment Incentive Program aimed at encouraging enlistment into the Montana National Guard. Under this program, current members in pay grades E-1 to O-5, as well as honorably discharged veterans, can receive incentive payments of up to $500 for each new or prior service recruit they refer. However, certain personnel, including those currently involved in recruiting and retention efforts, are ineligible for these payments. The bill also includes provisions for the oversight and administration of the program by the adjutant general and outlines the creation of a dedicated account for the incentive program, which will be funded through legislative appropriations, monetary gifts, and contributions from individual income tax returns.

Additionally, the bill amends existing tax law to allow taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to the Montana National Guard Enlistment Incentive Program through their state income tax returns. It specifies that contributions can be made from tax refunds or as an additional payment if no refund is due. The bill also includes a one-time appropriation of $250,000 to support the program, which will be transferred to the newly established account by August 1, 2023. The provisions of the bill are set to terminate on June 30, 2029.

Statutes affected:
HB0082_1.pdf: 15-30-2392, 17-7-502
HB0082_2.pdf: 15-30-2392, 17-7-502
HB0082_3.pdf: 15-30-2392, 17-7-502
Amended: 15-30-2392, 17-7-502
Introduced: 15-30-2392, 17-7-502