House Bill No. introduced by G. Kmetz, M. Vinton, G. Overstreet, and J. Etchart proposes an appropriation of $65 million from the general fund to the Montana Highway Patrol Officers' Retirement System Pension Fund. This funding is intended as a one-time supplemental contribution to address the system's unfunded liability, which currently stands at $65,377,745. The bill highlights the importance of the Highway Patrol Officers' Retirement System, established in 1945, and notes the current membership of 225 active members along with 375 retirees and beneficiaries.

The bill includes a new section that specifies the appropriation and another new section that establishes the effective date of the act as July 1, 2025. This financial support aims to enhance the sustainability of the retirement system for Montana's highway patrol officers, ensuring that they receive the benefits they are entitled to after their service.