MT HB85

Reinstates fixed employer contribution rates for four Montana retirement systems, replacing the actuarially determined contribution rates established in 2023: Highway Patrol Officers' (38.33%), Sheriffs' (9.535% plus 3.58% additional), and Game Wardens'/Peace Officers' (10.56%)

Sets the Judges' Retirement System employer contribution rate at 0%, with a trigger to increase to 25.81% if the funded ratio drops below 120%

Appropriates $4,723,449 from the general fund to the Department of Justice for fiscal year 2026 for Montana Highway Patrol employer contributions ($4,010,436 + $713,013)

Applies retroactively to employer contribution rates on or after July 1, 2023, for the Highway Patrol Officers', Sheriffs', and Game Wardens'/Peace Officers' retirement systems

Removes provisions for layered amortization schedules and actuarially determined contributions that were implemented under 2023 legislation, returning to the previous fixed-rate contribution structure