MT SB487

Requires catastrophic injury applications for End of Watch Trust payments to include proof of maximum medical improvement and objective medical evidence of permanent total disability under workers' compensation standards

Allows legal children of officers to continue receiving monthly payments after turning 18 until all 60 monthly payments are disbursed, rather than cutting off benefits at age 18

Authorizes the Department of Justice to assess administrative fees up to 15% of trust interest and earnings, and grants rulemaking authority for payment distribution, appeals, and board operations

Changes payment start date from date of injury/death to date the board approves the application, and shortens eligibility attestation and marital status notification deadlines from 120 days to 30 days

Clarifies that "catastrophic injury" must be a physical, bodily injury that permanently prevents any form of work, and expands "law enforcement officer" definition to include officers employed by state-based tribal authorities