House Bill 72 would amend state law so enlisted members of the Montana National Guard on state active duty could receive pay at twice their base rate for the duration of the state active duty order instead of only the first 15 days.

Representative Brad Barker, sponsor for the Department of Military Affairs, said the bill removes a financial hardship for Guard members called up for prolonged emergency response. "It could represent a financial hardship for those members," Barker said, describing how base pay falls to about $12 an hour for some enlisted members once the doubled pay expires.

Major General J. Peter Hronek, adjutant general and director of the Department of Military Affairs, testified the change would create pay parity with other state employees, exampled by DNRC firefighters, and reduce administrative burden from chopping orders. "Eliminating the 15 day cap will provide myself and the governor more flexibility to place members on state active duty for longer periods of time," Hronek said.

Other proponents included veterans' representative Roger Hagan, who described prior administrative difficulties tracking repeated short orders; Mike Talia of the American Legion; and Brig. Gen. Renee Dorval and Lieutenant Colonel Todd Wayne offered informational support. Chief Financial Officer Janae Grappo was available for questions. Committee member Representative Perry asked about fiscal impact and the source of funds; Hronek said the payment would come from the disaster or fire accounts rather than a standing appropriation and that past practice produced no fiscal note. Hronek clarified doubled pay applies only to base pay and does not include per diems.

Committee members raised questions about fiscal exposure and funding sources; proponents described the change as an administrative and equity fix that would reduce paperwork, increase parity with other state emergency responders and help retention. The hearing closed with the sponsor urging a do-pass recommendation.