The bill establishes a Contingent Litigation Fund within the state special revenue fund specifically for occupational licensing boards and programs. This fund is designed to cover legal fees and costs associated with disciplinary actions against licenses issued by these boards, provided that the costs exceed $15,000. The Department of Labor and Industry is granted rulemaking authority to manage the distribution of the fund, including setting a fee for licensees that cannot exceed $25 annually. The fund will not be used to pay costs or penalties against the boards or programs themselves, and any unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year will remain in the account.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 17-7-502 of the Montana Code Annotated to include the new fund as a statutory appropriation, allowing for spending without the need for a biennial legislative appropriation. The act will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will terminate on June 30, 2031, at which point any remaining funds will be distributed to the relevant boards or programs.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-7-502
HB0227_1(1): 17-7-502
HB0227_1(2): 17-7-502
HB0227_1(3): 17-7-502
HB0227_1(4): 17-7-502
HB0227_1(5): 17-7-502
HB0227_1(6): 17-7-502
HB0227_1(7): 17-7-502
HB0227_1(8): 17-7-502
HB0227_1(9): 17-7-502
HB0227_1: 17-7-502
HB0227_X(1): 17-7-502
HB0227_X(2): 17-7-502
HB0227_X(3): 17-7-502
HB0227_X(4): 17-7-502
HB0227_X(5): 17-7-502
HB0227_X: 17-7-502