This bill revises the definition of "dependent child" within the retirement systems for highway patrol officers, police officers, and firefighters in Montana. The updated definition specifies that a dependent child is an unmarried child of a deceased retired member who is either under 18 years of age or under 24 years of age and attending an accredited secondary or postsecondary educational institution as a full-time student in anticipation of receiving a certificate or degree. This change is reflected in the amendments to Sections 19-6-101, 19-9-104, and 19-13-104 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA).

In addition to the changes to the definition of dependent child, the bill also includes various amendments to the definitions of "compensation," "surviving spouse," and "survivor" across the three sections. Notably, the term "secondary or" has been inserted before "postsecondary educational institution" in the definitions of dependent child in all three sections, ensuring consistency in the eligibility criteria for benefits. The bill aims to clarify and modernize the language used in the retirement systems, thereby enhancing the understanding and accessibility of benefits for eligible dependents.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104
SB0208_1(1): 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104
SB0208_1(2): 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104
SB0208_1(3): 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104
SB0208_1(4): 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104
SB0208_1(5): 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104
SB0208_1(6): 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104
SB0208_1(7): 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104
SB0208_1: 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104
SB0208_X: 19-6-101, 19-9-104, 19-13-104