Montana News

Montana Bill to Deny Workers’ Comp to Illegal Aliens Stalls in Senate Committee

A bill that would deny workers’ compensation to illegal immigrants who have jobs in Montana was tabled by a Senate committee after several insurers and businesses warned it would do more harm than good to employers. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. …

Montana Gov. Amendments Added to Workers’ Comp Bill

A Montana state Senate committee got a look at the newest version of what is being labeled a “historic” workers’ compensation reform bill that was crafted by Republicans and now includes amendments from the governor’s office. Rep. Scott Reichner, R-Bigfork, …

Mont. Governor Endorses Workers’ Comp Compromise

Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s administration said Wednesday that it is supporting a deal with Republicans to cut workers’ compensation insurance rates that are widely regarded as too expensive, paving the way for a big compromise on one of the larger legislative …

Montana Governor Makes Appointments to State Fund Board

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer has made three appointments to the State Compensation Insurance Fund Board. Elizabeth Best of Great Falls was named chairwoman. She is an attorney in private practice. She has served as a trustee for the Centerville School …

Montana Proposal Asks for Lawsuit Protection for Referees

A proposal before Montana House lawmakers says referees need better lawsuit protection when officiating athletic events in the state. Senate Bill 4 recently heard in the House Judiciary Committee would raise the bar for what is required to sue an …

Montana Proposes Stricter Penalties for Uninsured Motorists

Montana regulators have proposed increasing fines for motorists who are repeatedly caught not carrying automobile liability insurance. The uninsured motorists bill, HB 243, would increase fines on second conviction to $500, up from $350. And a third or subsequent violations …

Montana House Committee Endorses Workers’ Comp Reform Bill

The Montana House Business and Labor Committee has endorsed a bill to reform the state’s workers’ compensation system. Among other things, HB 334 workers’ comp reform bill aims to provide for the closure of claims, provide a process to reopen …

Montana Bill Would Send Workers’ Comp Out for Bid

A Montana senator believes the state might save money if part of the workers’ compensation program were administered by a private insurance company. Sen. Jim Keane urged members of the Senate Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs Committee to support Senate …

Montana Businesses Forming Captives to Reap Economic Benefits

Montana licensed a record 26 captive insurance companies in 2010, boosting the number of captives at year-end to 67, also a record, the state Department of Insurance announced. The 26 captives licensed last year compares with 16 in 2009, eight …

Liberty Northwest Develops Safety Program for Montana Employers

Liberty Northwest, a Liberty Mutual Agency Corp. regional company, has announced an overall retro rating adjustment of nearly 28 percent in workers’ compensation insurance premium adjustments and premium surcharge savings totaling nearly $280 thousand for members who participated in its …