The bill amends Section 19-17-404 of the Montana Code Annotated to increase the monthly pension benefit for eligible volunteer firefighters. The full pension benefit is raised from $175 to $200 per month. Additionally, the bill maintains the structure for calculating partial pension benefits based on years of service, while also stipulating that members who continue active service beyond 20 years will receive an increase of $7.50 per month for each additional year, up to a total of 30 years. For members with over 30 years of credited service, the same $7.50 increase applies, contingent upon the pension trust fund being actuarially sound.

The bill also clarifies that members do not have a contractual right to additional benefits if the amortization period for unfunded liabilities exceeds 20 years, in which case their monthly benefit would revert to the amount specified for those with 20 years of service. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 19-17-404
HB0358_1(1): 19-17-404
HB0358_1(2): 19-17-404
HB0358_1(3): 19-17-404
HB0358_1(4): 19-17-404
HB0358_1(5): 19-17-404
HB0358_1: 19-17-404
HB0358_X(1): 19-17-404
HB0358_X(2): 19-17-404
HB0358_X(3): 19-17-404
HB0358_X(4): 19-17-404
HB0358_X(5): 19-17-404
HB0358_X: 19-17-404