[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6301206,"mediaKeyId","2489351-be5b669371eee219ec5f7a08c0f7fdc2","parentId",2489351,"title","Committee advances bill to cover PTSD as a work injury for first responders after emotional testimony","audioSeconds",7197,"startMs",4975000,"endMs",12172000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2489351-be5b669371eee219ec5f7a08c0f7fdc2&start=4975&end=12172","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2489351-be5b669371eee219ec5f7a08c0f7fdc2/thumbnail_4975000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6301206/Montana/Committee-advances-bill-to-cover-PTSD-as-a-work-injury-for-first-responders-after-emotional-testimony","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301206-46743588d3a96cbef70ded40bd5462d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605039&Signature=GtV-BOtDcqLVXrgYPKCcJLmZXhHgTdZONGFr0SyLsl3L3-HuMS6kEUWIePhwMl5i1Z8a55SNFXoyMlIHV1s6YCuy6bFKvYx8nlUpvwQ3J2IoI9XvqirrOfEKENWpCOW-ptrrsU4~keij5qHklWtvs7DBbRZ0LSMVEAbbQM0P7Ufk7wtzOzGD0VkIXVsT3wS-Nce0IIVn6Lvhasa63QGFvO1lWwb6zRtxc5mlGbfM9xsJ3laqi9Ii2P5oJ6dLHgGf2KZrwVqlX-1lOlsRXheMgtHwUS1MLw9NYhhO-NPnPLQn4aorLcG2R750MQuv7dNNc93ijXkrpw-gxVSJSN2Uqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 394, sponsored by Sen. Cora Neuman, would authorize workers’ compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) for first responders, including professional and volunteer firefighters, law enforcement officers, dispatchers and other emergency care providers. After a lengthy hearing with dozens of first-responder witnesses, the Business and Labor Committee voted to pass SB 394.

Why it matters: Supporters argued that repeated exposure to traumatic incidents is a workplace hazard for first responders and that treating PTSI as a compensable occupational injury would improve access to timely care, reduce long-term disability and save money by facilitating return-to-work. Opponents said the workers’ compensation system is an imperfect vehicle for behavioral-health coverage and raised concerns about costs, classification, and equal-protection questions if only a subset of workers were covered.

Testimony: The hearing included detailed first-hand accounts. Joel Gaertig of the Montana State Firefighters Association and other representatives described elevated suicide rates among firefighters and law enforcement and urged coverage to get more people timely care. Caleb Larson of the Montana Police Protective Association recounted multiple traumatic calls during a single shift, emphasizing cumulative exposure. Jessica Kinzer, a career firefighter who said she sought inpatient behavioral health care and later returned to duty, described how limited coverage had forced her to take unpaid leave and eventually seek medical retirement before recovering and being rehired.

Opponents included the Montana Self Insurance Association and representatives of insurer trade groups and public self-insured pools. They emphasized that workers’ compensation provides lifetime, no-deductible medical coverage and that expanding coverage to non-physical mental injuries would create open-ended costs. They also pointed to alternative models (including a newly enacted Georgia approach) that use existing health insurance programs and specialty funds rather than adding coverage through workers’ compensation.

Technical and legal points: Department of Labor and Industry counsel raised two technical constitutional concerns in the bill’s draft: a possible unlawful-delegation issue tied to reliance on the then-current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and a potential equal-protection challenge if the statute covered one class of workers but not others with similar exposure. The sponsor offered and the department noted an amendment option that would fix the delegation concern by fixing the version of the DSM to the one in effect on the bill’s effective date; equal-protection risks could be reduced by clarifying the covered classes or expanding eligibility.

Committee action: After extensive testimony and questioning, the committee voted on a roll call to pass SB 394. The committee vote was 7–5 in favor; the bill now advances to the full Senate floor for consideration.

Next steps: If the bill moves forward, sponsors and stakeholders indicated they plan further work on precise definitions of covered workers, diagnostic standards and processes for claims. Some opponents urged a study approach or a model similar to Georgia’s recent law, which creates an insurance-backed program for first responders rather than adding new workers’ compensation exposures.

Background and context: Supporters cited national studies of PTSD prevalence in first responders (percentages of firefighters and law enforcement with PTSD higher than the general population) and noted Montana’s high rates of motor-vehicle fatalities and violent crime, which increase first responders’ exposure to traumatic events.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs - Mar 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 394, sponsored by Sen. Cora Neuman, would authorize workers’ compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress injury for first responders and passed the Business and Labor Committee after an extensive hearing.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MT, Montana","taxId",77694,"location","Montana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6301211,"Wage-transparency bill draws split testimony; committee tables Senate Bill 313",11028,2314000,13342000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2489351-be5b669371eee219ec5f7a08c0f7fdc2&start=2314&end=13342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2489351-be5b669371eee219ec5f7a08c0f7fdc2/thumbnail_2314000.jpg","/articles/6301211/Montana/Wage-transparency-bill-draws-split-testimony-committee-tables-Senate-Bill-313","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301211-9bc3972a6cfabdccf7007795f0308435/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605039&Signature=WiLjW-ZFk1qbz3K96xpEwAq21k~r0QAEI4BhbVDaWsnZYxFnuLKz7RdU1mdXGROw4thVePcr-cOJt6Uc7tKw3BRUnIUCH9nzK6PufPFxUSRDl2GNWhxaUfj56wIrFVK7YGQ0-Iests~-th89J2eoGMKSNHlyteg7MuwdwHtLJcsisw0jZuVhz~K8dL3pRkhKTTlqy38oDliPeyhYZnkBLT18NExoiE6qKFdWr0bgZfYl8-4jic52vpNbcMTYBU7LgRR885-GjwVjPFDY0TIambZxST7aQj0H95HcTtN4NDUUO5LSQ85qmtw4VGKnTMiuQXxJW2dNbVxwaSa7Atp~6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 313, a wage-transparency measure, drew a broad set of proponents and opponents at the Business and Labor Committee hearing before the committee voted to table the bill.

The bill, offered by Sen. Shane Morigeau, would prohibit employers from seeking an applicant’s wage history and require job postings to include an hourly or salary range and a general description of benefits. Supporters argued the change reduces pay discrimination and improves recruitment and retention. Opponents cited administrative burden, potential litigation and harms to small employers.

Why it matters: Supporters said wage-transparency measures reduce the gender and racial pay gap by preventing employers from basing offers on prior pay. Opponents said similar laws in other states triggered repeat plaintiffs and could harm small businesses' flexibility.

Proponents included Amanda Frickle of the Montana AFL-CIO, who said collective-bargaining agreements embody transparency and that the bill’s posting requirement will save time and reduce wasted interviews. John Bazant of Forward Montana said the bill would help retain young workers by making pay and promotion paths clearer.

Business groups made the principal case against the measure. David Smith of the Montana Contractors Association and Kerry Hegreberg of the Montana Chamber of Commerce urged a no vote or rejection, pointing to Washington state's experience with a wave of lawsuits after a similar law and warning of a cottage industry of plaintiffs who “troll” postings for violations. Greg Rodefer of Associated Employers explained companies rely on pay differentiation for high performers and said the bill could limit an employer’s ability to reward merit without complex justification systems.

The committee ultimately moved to table SB 313; the motion to table carried following a committee vote. The transcript shows stakeholders from labor and youth organizations, and multiple chambers of commerce and employer groups testified in person and online. Several senators questioned whether the law would spur litigation and sought more analysis of unintended consequences.

Next steps: Because the committee tabled the bill, SB 313 will not advance from Business and Labor unless it is later resurrected by the sponsor or the committee.","Supporters said pay-range disclosure and bans on asking wage history would help close pay gaps and aid worker recruitment; business groups warned of litigation risk and harms to small employers. The Senate Business and Labor Committee ultimately tabled SB 313.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6301216,"Senate committee advances $50 million one-time deposit for Housing Montana Fund",12046,161000,12207000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2489351-be5b669371eee219ec5f7a08c0f7fdc2&start=161&end=12207","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2489351-be5b669371eee219ec5f7a08c0f7fdc2/thumbnail_161000.jpg","/articles/6301216/Montana/Senate-committee-advances-50-million-one-time-deposit-for-Housing-Montana-Fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301216-768fb1288326a1c79acc5e08fe5b6053/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605040&Signature=ZGOg6nbkvYyYo-29tI9Uxq6D1TZdbWgNchid2UmoyZvq0XdfUc-rLdcxUFqdnyvSLPr9gNgtRk9bWSQNGztmLNlgQ5SIo1O3-EuP4vkKM5jSvoH9kYE33BQU5Qf6FeQJcQa~rRY9ViP--Js6PuTGAUKcfPk40l2w-IMCQCZ4SqcJY1LADKt0e9x4aMiYKASGjwRwtgwkIfCijkaD55MIhW1tyKK3V-uHuyYODnHflXFFoLbxqdO8RTHkqkyyIbJFJVPN3gbWWGdz3gCg4w5TzTEaU0e63ZprpcBsOvz7P6Po6VbQVxMS5dj3KsBZOGn71U2xVAa8M2VWFB4kzUCcUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Business and Labor advanced Senate Bill 405 on a roll-call vote after a public hearing that drew housing developers, nonprofit advocates and business groups.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Dave Fern, would appropriate $50 million of one-time general fund surplus to the Housing Montana Fund, a revolving loan program first enacted in 1999. Supporters said the infusion would function as gap and bridge financing to leverage federal tax credits and private capital for projects that serve low- and moderate-income households.

Why it matters: Advocates and developers told the committee Montana has a shortfall of rental and workforce housing and that flexible, state-level capital is needed to close financing gaps that federal programs and market lenders cannot cover on their own.

Sen. Dave Fern, the bill sponsor, told the committee the Housing Montana Fund is “flexible” and can support both nonprofit and for-profit developers with stackable capital, sliding interest rates tied to area median income and infrastructure or shared-equity programs. He said the fund “creates a revolving fund” that can be sustained through loan repayments and short-term investment earnings.

Proponents described the fund as a ready-to-use financing tool. Aubrey Godbey, housing policy analyst at the Montana Budget & Policy Center, said the state faces a large deficit of units affordable to low-income renters and that the fund could “capitalize on matching federal funds” and serve as bridge financing. Danny Hess of the Montana Community Action Network and Jacob Koontz of Helena Area Habitat for Humanity also testified in support, noting how the fund can plug the last 5–15% financing gaps that keep projects from “penciling.”

Cheryl Cohen, executive director of the Montana Board of Housing, responded to questions about how the program would pair with federal tax credits and existing state programs. She explained that the fund’s flexibility — including the ability to subordinate lien position when appropriate — can make projects work where state coal-trust multifamily programs (which sometimes require first-lien status and property tax payment) cannot.

Committee action: The committee voted 8–4 to pass the bill out of committee and move it to the full Senate floor for further consideration.

What the bill would do and next steps: SB 405 would make a one-time appropriation to the Housing Montana Fund and allow the Board of Housing to administer loans and linked programs under existing statute. The bill language also authorizes the board to review and update its administrative rules. If the full Senate and House approve the appropriation and the governor signs it, the Board of Housing would begin issuing loans under the fund’s existing statutory framework.

Additional context: Witnesses noted the fund’s statutory requirement that 20% of funds be prioritized for rural communities, and multiple proponents said the financing can be “stacked” with federal low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bond financing paired with 4% credits, HOME and National Housing Trust Fund awards. Proponents also warned that mortgage interest and material-cost changes have tightened private financing capacity, increasing the need for flexible state capital.

The committee record contains multiple technical questions and clarifications about lien position, tax-credit pairings, and whether projects on tribal land are eligible; the Board of Housing said programs can and do operate on tribal land.

The hearing record and roll-call vote send SB 405 to the Senate floor for consideration.","The Senate Business and Labor Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 405, a proposal to deposit $50 million of one-time general fund surplus into the Housing Montana Fund to provide gap and revolving financing for affordable housing projects across the state.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6301203,"Bill would create competitive grants for senior centers; lawmakers, advocates back $5 million proposal",765,9284000,10049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2489351-be5b669371eee219ec5f7a08c0f7fdc2&start=9284&end=10049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2489351-be5b669371eee219ec5f7a08c0f7fdc2/thumbnail_9284000.jpg","/articles/6301203/Montana/Bill-would-create-competitive-grants-for-senior-centers-lawmakers-advocates-back-5-million-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6301203-18a7784e2d96e1645bb4f3fd6c4475ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605040&Signature=gDqDl-QZhyZpB5uSpF1D4NPn4TVDdNksdoXd3SvTPCIg6sxp0NCMSbqxLjLHmMHT0Z3-OwDocicfmKO5hO4Cz~Z28GFxfJvavqtSt~LkGvuYwYdKpZDXqKehGmMLp9WGrdowrv3Pd0vlxhBrVEOgIliMHkpvPoZsrUHbwnwPKa5ev4GPfBqYAd14Pvq~F2gbND0ZJuSyyU1V8sJZ9sSwd2teuVbcLQ9WNzHBAEJF30YZsgxilTEaTgpuzMBf~eZ27miZYl2NC5jSytM1VlLHvO4A~etk8BWyqAzFJztSRs50a0K9R5qhYlTfbmZaZsy-76cSLUtLyhkON3mXRbLrLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative John Fitzpatrick introduced House Bill 182, a one-time $5 million competitive grant program to help Montana senior centers with capital repairs and accessibility upgrades.

The measure proposes a competitive grant fund, administered by the Department of Commerce, with applications from senior centers statewide. Grants would require a dollar-for-dollar cash match (no in-kind credits), cap awards at $250,000 per center and permit up to two awards per county (a county maximum of $350,000). Sponsors described the match as strict but intended to encourage community buy-in and leverage other sources.

Why it matters: Supporters said many Montana senior centers are aging and provide vital meal, socialization and health-screening services that help keep older residents out of institutional long-term care. Witnesses argued that modest capital upgrades — accessible entrances, parking, kitchen appliances — can preserve services, improve nutrition and reduce isolation among older adults.

Proponents at the hearing included volunteers and advocates from AARP Montana, Big Sky 55 Plus and the Rocky Mountain Development Council. Jane Amdahl of AARP described the Helena senior center’s congregate meals program and the center’s role delivering social services; Fran Viereck and JC Jett, among others, testified about facilities that have not had capital upgrades in 40 years and need accessibility and kitchen improvements.

Administration and implementation: Mandy Rambo, deputy director at the Montana Department of Commerce, testified as the informational witness and said Commerce would administer the reimbursement-style grants. Applicants would submit bids or vendor quotes; successful applicants could start work using local match funds and then apply for state reimbursement per the bill’s structure.

The bill includes a MEPA (Montana Environmental Policy Act)–related amendment to avoid unnecessary environmental review for straightforward capital projects. Fitzpatrick said he designed the program as \"one time only\" (OTO) to use current surplus and not create an ongoing state program.

Next steps: The bill was heard in committee with broad support from advocacy groups and local centers. No formal committee vote was recorded in the hearing transcript; Commerce staff said they would stand ready to administer the program if enacted.","House Bill 182 would create a competitive, one-time $5 million grant program for senior centers; backers said grants would allow repairs, kitchen and accessibility upgrades and help keep older Montanans connected. The Department of Commerce would administer the program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances bill to cover PTSD as a work injury for first responders after emotional testimony

Wage-transparency bill draws split testimony; committee tables Senate Bill 313

Senate committee advances $50 million one-time deposit for Housing Montana Fund

Bill would create competitive grants for senior centers; lawmakers, advocates back $5 million proposal