House Bill No. introduced by E. Buttrey and R. Marshall amends Section 39-71-407 of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify workers' compensation coverage for employees traveling for work. A key insertion in the bill states that whether an employer provides transportation or reimburses travel costs does not determine an employee's eligibility for coverage under the workers' compensation chapter. This change ensures that employees remain covered for work-related travel, even if they do not receive reimbursement or transportation from their employer, as long as the travel is necessary for their job duties.

The bill also outlines specific conditions under which employees are not covered while traveling, such as during breaks or unpaid social activities, unless their presence is required by the employer. Additionally, it addresses insurer liability, the establishment of injuries through objective medical findings, and the impact of drug use on benefits eligibility. The revised provisions will apply to claims for workers' compensation benefits for injuries or deaths occurring on or after October 1, 2025, aiming to enhance clarity and fairness in workers' compensation protections related to transportation issues.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-407
HB0367_1(1): 39-71-407
HB0367_1(2): 39-71-407
HB0367_1(3): 39-71-407
HB0367_1(4): 39-71-407
HB0367_1(5): 39-71-407
HB0367_1: 39-71-407
HB0367_2(1): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(10): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(11): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(2): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(3): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(4): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(5): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(6): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(7): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(8): 39-71-407
HB0367_2(9): 39-71-407
HB0367_2: 39-71-407
HB0367_X(1): 39-71-407
HB0367_X(2): 39-71-407
HB0367_X(3): 39-71-407
HB0367_X(4): 39-71-407
HB0367_X(5): 39-71-407
HB0367_X(6): 39-71-407
HB0367_X(7): 39-71-407
HB0367_X: 39-71-407