This bill authorizes the appointment of a benefits administrator to receive payments on behalf of minor children or incompetent persons in Montana. It amends Section 39-71-742 to specify that payments due to a child under 18 or an adjudged incompetent person can be made to the parent, appointed guardian, appointed conservator, or the appointed benefits administrator. Additionally, it defines the term "benefits administrator" as a person appointed by the workers' compensation judge to pursue benefits or receive payments for these individuals.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 39-71-2905 to allow claimants, insurers, or the uninsured employers' fund to petition the workers' compensation judge for the appointment of a benefits administrator without needing to satisfy prior dispute resolution requirements. The workers' compensation judge is granted exclusive jurisdiction to appoint and terminate the appointment of a benefits administrator, streamlining the process for managing benefits for minors and incompetent persons. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_1(1): 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_1(2): 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_1(3): 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_1(4): 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_1: 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_X(1): 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_X(2): 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_X(3): 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_X(4): 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_X(5): 39-71-742, 39-71-2905
SB0338_X: 39-71-742, 39-71-2905