Bill
LC 1421
Legislative Bill Summary: LC 1421 - Revise Labor Law on Meal Allowances SummaryThis draft bill, LC 1421, seeks to revise Montana's labor laws regarding the computation and applicat
This draft bill, LC 1421, seeks to revise Montana's labor laws regarding the computation and application of meal allowances for employees. The main intent of the bill is to update and clarify the state's existing requirements around providing meal allowances to workers.
Meal Allowance Calculation: The bill would establish a new formula for determining the appropriate meal allowance amount to be provided to employees. The allowance would be calculated based on the federal per diem rate for the geographic location, adjusted annually.
Meal Period Requirements: The bill would mandate that employers provide employees with an uninterrupted 30-minute meal period if the shift exceeds 6 hours. Employers would be required to pay the full meal allowance for any meal period that is interrupted or shortened.
Exemptions: Certain categories of employees, such as those covered by collective bargaining agreements or certain transportation workers, would be exempt from the new meal allowance requirements.
Enforcement: The bill would grant the Montana Department of Labor and Industry the authority to investigate potential violations and levy fines against non-compliant employers.
This bill, if enacted, would impact all employers in Montana who have employees eligible for meal allowances, particularly in industries like food service, hospitality, and transportation. Employees who regularly work shifts longer than 6 hours would be the primary beneficiaries, as they would be entitled to the newly-calculated meal allowance payments.
The bill aims to modernize and clarify the state's existing labor laws around meal periods and allowances, which have not been substantially updated in over a decade. Supporters argue the changes will provide clearer guidelines for employers and stronger protections for workers.
LC 1421 is currently in draft form, having been delivered to the requester on November 14, 2024. The next step would be for the bill to be formally introduced in the Montana Legislature, likely during the 2025 legislative session. If passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, the new meal allowance requirements would likely take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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