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Bill would change how Montana sets salary comparisons for the state auditor by surveying commissioners of securities and insurance
Summary
House Bill 611 would direct the Department of Administration to base salary comparisons for the statewide office titled "state auditor" on surrounding states' commissioners of securities and insurance rather than on other states' auditors.
Representative Scott DeMorris introduced House Bill 611, which would adjust the Department of Administration's salary-survey language for the statewide office currently titled "state auditor." The change would direct the agency to survey "ex officio commissioner of securities and insurance" positions in surrounding states rather than comparing by the historical title "auditor," reflecting the office's current responsibilities.
Why it matters: Proponents said the statutory title "state auditor" reflects the constitutionally listed office but not the modern duties, which center on insurance and securities regulation. Frank Cote, deputy insurance commissioner, said comparing Montana's incumbent to auditors in other states produces poor matches because those offices have different duties. Bonnie Shoemaker of the Department of Administration, who conducts the salary survey, said the change would produce a more accurate peer comparison.
Implementation and timing: The bill includes an applicability date that would prevent any salary change from taking effect until Jan. 1, 2028; Shoemaker said she cannot conduct the survey to change pay until the statutory applicability date is reached. Committee members asked whether the bill's title language could be read to permit a salary change earlier; legislative counsel Heather Harden explained the bill title is explanatory and statute text controls, and the statute as drafted sets the later applicability date.
Questions and clarifications: Senator Morgeau asked whether the office is commonly referenced as "CSI" (Commissioner of Securities and Insurance); witnesses clarified the office is still constitutionally the state auditor but has been commonly rebranded to help the public understand its mission. Sponsors and agency witnesses emphasized that the change aims to improve the salary-comparison methodology, not to alter the office's constitutional title or the timing of salary adjustments.
Ending: Proponents asked the committee to concur. No formal committee vote on HB 611 was recorded in the hearing segment provided.
