House Bill No. introduced by M. Thiel seeks to revise Montana's workers' compensation laws by updating the definition of "employer" to include a broader range of entities, such as religious organizations and fiscal agents. The bill clarifies the conditions under which temporary service contractors are considered employers of temporary workers and modifies the presumption of employer status for workers provided by other entities, allowing for rebuttal with substantial evidence. These changes aim to enhance clarity and coverage under workers' compensation regulations.

In addition to redefining employer status, the bill alters the reporting requirements for insurers, mandating annual summary reports to be submitted by January 15 instead of the previous quarterly reports. It also introduces a new medical status form that healthcare providers must complete, which includes updated information on the worker's condition and treatment. These amendments are designed to streamline the administration of workers' compensation, ensuring accurate reporting and reducing administrative burdens for both employers and employees. The proposed changes will affect several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, and 39-71-1036.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, 39-71-1036
HB0428_1(1): 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, 39-71-1036
HB0428_1(2): 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, 39-71-1036
HB0428_1(3): 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, 39-71-1036
HB0428_1(4): 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, 39-71-1036
HB0428_1(5): 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, 39-71-1036
HB0428_1: 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, 39-71-1036
HB0428_X(1): 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, 39-71-1036
HB0428_X: 39-71-117, 39-71-201, 39-71-306, 39-71-1036