Montana Senate Bill SB391

Montana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/23
• Refer: 2/17/23
• Engrossed: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Enrolled: 4/14/23
• Passed: 5/8/23

Caption

Providing partial salary or light duty for injured county detention officers

Impact

By superseding existing unfunded mandate laws, SB391 allows counties to implement these salary payments without the fiscal constraints imposed by prior regulations. It establishes a clear protocol for reassignment of injured officers to light duties when they are deemed fit for such tasks by healthcare professionals. This flexibility is intended to facilitate officers' return to work in a capacity they can manage while still recovering. The bill's provisions directly affect county budgets and the management of personnel resources during the rehabilitation of injured officers.

Summary

Senate Bill 391 aims to provide enhanced financial security for county detention officers who suffer injuries while performing their duties. Specifically, the bill mandates that these officers receive a partial salary payment to supplement workers' compensation benefits for up to one year following their injury. This provision is intended to mitigate the financial impact on officers who may be unable to perform their duties during recovery, ensuring that they have sufficient income during their rehabilitation period.

Sentiment

Overall, SB391 garnered significant bipartisan support during discussions, reflecting a general consensus on the need to protect those who work in high-risk environments. Supporters view the bill as a necessary acknowledgment of the risks faced by detention officers and a step towards ensuring their welfare in times of injury. However, concerns about the financial implications for county budgets were raised, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding mechanisms to support these mandates without overwhelming local governments.

Contention

While the bill passed with a strong majority vote, the discussions pinpointed several contentious points, particularly regarding the feasibility of funding such measures at the county level. Some legislators expressed concerns over potential unfunded liabilities that might arise from the implementation of these salary payments and reassignment protocols. This highlights a broader dialogue around balancing the interests of public safety personnel with the financial realities faced by local governments.