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Bill Summary · HB 486

Legislative bill overview

HB 486 revises the compensation structure for county deputy sheriffs in Montana, modifying how counties allocate and calculate wages for these law enforcement personnel. The bill has been signed into law as of May 1, 2025, and is now in effect.

Why is this important

County deputy sheriffs are frontline law enforcement in rural and less densely populated areas of Montana. Changes to their compensation directly affect recruitment and retention of qualified officers, the quality of public safety services in counties, and county budget planning and expenditures.

Potential points of contention

  • County budget impact: Compensation revisions may increase or redistribute costs among counties differently, creating budget pressures on smaller or less wealthy counties
  • Equity across counties: Changes could create salary disparities between deputies in different counties, potentially causing retention issues as officers seek higher-paying positions elsewhere
  • Implementation details: The specific compensation formula changes are not detailed in available information, making it unclear whether adjustments are increases, decreases, or restructuring that could affect current employees differently

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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