MT HB547

Municipal fire departments in consolidated city-county governments must have a director of fire service or fire chief to manage and control the department according to municipal ordinances

Removes statutory language that previously protected existing volunteer fire departments, companies, and fire districts from being affected by city-county consolidation

Preserves retirement and pension benefits under Title 19, chapter 17 for members of volunteer fire districts, companies, or departments, which cannot be eliminated by consolidation unless specifically provided by charter

Amends MCA sections 7-33-2110 and 7-33-2316 to narrow protections to pension rights only, eliminating broader organizational protections for volunteer fire entities

Applies specifically to Option 1 consolidated city-county governments and codifies new fire chief requirements in Title 7, chapter 3, part 11