The Montana Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act establishes a comprehensive framework for providing family and medical leave insurance benefits to eligible employees and self-employed individuals in Montana. It creates an enterprise fund, financed by contributions from employers and employees, to support these benefits. The Act outlines eligibility criteria, including serious health conditions, caring for a new child, or leave due to a family member's military service, while ensuring job protection and health information privacy for beneficiaries. Key provisions include a contribution schedule capped at 1% of an eligible employee's monthly wages, with self-employed individuals responsible for their full contribution. Benefits are contingent on fund availability, with a maximum weekly benefit set at $1,000 or the average weekly wage, whichever is greater.

The bill introduces new provisions that enhance employee rights and employer responsibilities, including job restoration after leave, protection against retaliation, and maintenance of health and pension benefits during the leave period. It establishes penalties for employees who make false statements to obtain benefits, disqualifying them for one year and imposing financial penalties. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to align the parental leave policy for state employees with the new provisions and expands the definition of theft to include fraudulent actions related to public assistance benefits. The Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with certain provisions effective January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-18-606, 45-6-301