This bill authorizes the appointment of a benefits administrator who can receive payments on behalf of minor children or incompetent persons. It amends Section 39-71-742 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 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, the bill defines "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, allowing a claimant, insurer, 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. 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