House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise the Firefighters' Unified Retirement System to include public safety employees from airport authorities. The bill amends Sections 19-13-104 and 19-13-210 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to expand the definition of "employer" to include airport authorities, thereby allowing public safety officers employed by these authorities to participate in the retirement system. Additionally, the definition of "public safety officer" is updated to specify that it includes individuals who serve as both full-paid firefighters and sworn peace officers within airport authority employment.

The bill also outlines the participation requirements for cities and rural fire districts, allowing those not currently covered under the retirement system to elect to join it, provided they meet certain conditions. This includes the requirement for a governing body to adopt an ordinance or resolution to join the system, and it specifies the process for firefighters to make an election regarding their retirement system coverage. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 19-13-104, 19-13-210
HB0640_1(1): 19-13-104, 19-13-210
HB0640_1(2): 19-13-104, 19-13-210
HB0640_1: 19-13-104, 19-13-210