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LC 3002

Revise laws related to Montana Highway Patrol recruitment and retention

2025 Regular Session

LC 3002 - Revise Laws Related to Montana Highway Patrol Recruitment and Retention OverviewBill Number: LC 3002 Title: Revise laws related to Montana Highway Patrol recruitment and

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 3002

LC 3002 - Revise Laws Related to Montana Highway Patrol Recruitment and Retention

Overview

Bill Number: LC 3002
Title: Revise laws related to Montana Highway Patrol recruitment and retention
Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process
Introduced: December 13, 2024

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to address ongoing challenges with recruiting and retaining qualified personnel for the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP). The legislation aims to make the MHP a more attractive and competitive career option in order to maintain adequate staffing levels and ensure the continued effectiveness of highway safety and enforcement efforts across the state.

Key Provisions

  • Increases the starting salary for new MHP troopers by 15% to improve competitiveness with other law enforcement agencies
  • Establishes a student loan repayment assistance program to help attract and retain troopers, providing up to $10,000 per year for eligible officers
  • Expands eligibility for the existing MHP retirement system, allowing troopers to retire after 20 years of service rather than the current 25-year requirement
  • Authorizes the MHP to offer signing bonuses of up to $10,000 for new recruits to incentivize joining the force
  • Directs the Montana Department of Justice to conduct a comprehensive compensation and benefits study for the MHP to identify areas for further improvement

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation would be current and prospective MHP troopers, who would see improved salaries, benefits, and career advancement opportunities. Indirectly, the general public in Montana would also benefit from having a fully-staffed and well-compensated highway patrol to maintain public safety on state roads and highways.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill was introduced in the Montana Legislature as a draft (LC 3002) in December 2024, but ultimately did not advance further in the legislative process and died. No final version of the bill was ever formally introduced or voted on. The lack of progress suggests the proposed changes may have faced budgetary or political challenges that prevented the legislation from being enacted.

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

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