MT HB516

Transfers the workers' compensation judge and court from the Department of Labor and Industry to the judicial branch under Montana Supreme Court supervision, effective July 1, 2025

Creates a workers' compensation court fund as a special revenue account, with the Department of Labor and Industry required to transfer funds equal to the court's legislative appropriation by July 15 of each fiscal year

Requires the workers' compensation judge to be appointed by the governor for 6-year terms and meet the same qualifications as district court judges, including full-time dedication without private law practice

Moves workers' compensation judges into the Montana Judges' Retirement System, with a one-time option for the current judge to remain in the public employees' retirement system if elected by October 1, 2025

Preserves all existing employee rights (tenure, pay, leave, retirement benefits) and ensures pending legal proceedings and existing contracts remain valid through the transition