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Bill would allow voluntary partial payments across more claims (House Bill 324)
Summary
House Bill 324 would expand Montana's voluntary payment law so parties can make payments toward portions of a claim (for example, medical bills or portions of contract claims) without conceding liability. Sponsor Steve Fitzpatrick said the change is meant to encourage partial payments and reduce litigation; members asked about exceptions for bad‑faith practices.
Representative Steve Fitzpatrick described House Bill 324 as an expansion of the voluntary payment act to permit voluntary payments on a wider range of claim types, including claims arising from contract disputes, so that parties can pay parts of a claim while litigation continues. Fitzpatrick emphasized that a voluntary payment "is not an admission or liability" and said the change could help people get medical bills or wages paid sooner while other issues are resolved.
Committee members questioned how the measure interacts with existing insurance bad‑faith statutes and private rights of action. Fitzpatrick and staff explained the bill excludes conduct that would otherwise constitute insurance bad faith and noted exceptions for attorney's fees and statutory consumer protections.
No proponents or opponents appeared in the room or online and the hearing concluded without a committee vote.
