Montana lawmakers approve funding for highway patrol pay raises and medical examiners

The House Appropriations Committee of the Montana Legislature convened on March 21, 2025, to discuss key budgetary issues, primarily focusing on funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Montana Highway Patrol. The meeting addressed several significant topics, including salary adjustments for law enforcement personnel, funding sources, and specific budget amendments.

The committee began by discussing the need for a placeholder in the budget to address cost-of-living adjustments for state employees, particularly in light of the recent 14% pay raise for highway patrol officers. Concerns were raised about the uniformity of pay raises across the state, which do not account for varying living costs in different regions. The committee emphasized the importance of developing a system that reflects actual living expenses, with plans to work on this issue during the interim period.

A notable point of contention was the funding source for the highway patrol's pay raises. Initially proposed to be funded through the "Maserati tax," the committee opted to shift this funding to the general fund to ensure stability and sustainability in the long term. The committee approved the pay raise, with an amendment to clarify the funding source.

The discussion also included the pension fund for highway patrol officers, with contingency language included in House Bill 85 to address potential funding gaps. If HB 85 does not pass, the budget includes provisions to ensure the pension fund remains adequately funded.

Additional budget items included a request for litigation funding, which was initially overlooked but will be restored through an amendment. The committee also allocated $40,000 to jumpstart a special revenue fund for missing and murdered indigenous persons, as well as increased funding for medical examiners to address staffing shortages in Missoula and Billings.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the challenges faced by the highway patrol, particularly in recruitment and retention of officers due to historically low pay compared to other law enforcement agencies. The DOJ highlighted aggressive recruitment efforts to fill vacancies created by recent retirements.

Overall, the committee's discussions underscored the urgency of addressing compensation and funding issues within the Montana Highway Patrol and the broader implications for law enforcement in the state. The next steps will involve finalizing amendments and ensuring that the budget reflects the needs of the agency and its personnel.