A divided Montana Supreme Court says forcing a Hutterite religious colony to pay workers’ compensation insurance for jobs outside the commune is not an unconstitutional intrusion into religion.
The 4-3 decision upholds a 2009 law requiring religious organizations to carry workers’ comp insurance. The Legislature passed the law after businesses complained they couldn’t outbid the Hutterites.
The Big Sky Colony sued, saying the law targeted its religion and infringed on its beliefs. Its members have no personal property and make no wages as part of their communal living, and a member that makes a claim against the colony would be excommunicated.
The court’s majority ruled the law did not interfere with their religious practices.
Retiring Justice James Nelson says the law violates the First Amendment to appease a powerful industry.
Topics Workers' Compensation Talent
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Beazley Agrees to Zurich’s Sweetened £8 Billion Takeover Bid 
Chubb Posts Record Q4 and Full Year P/C Underwriting Income, Combined Ratio 
Winter Storm Fern to Cause Up to $6.7B in Insured Losses 
What Analysts Are Saying About the 2026 P/C Insurance Market From This Issue
