Under Montana House Bill 667, employees in public office have added protections as of the retroactive effective date of January 1, 2025.

Prior to the enactment of the legislature, employees in public office were required to receive up to 180 days of unpaid leave per year to fulfill their duties. Additionally, an employee must be restored to the position held prior to the leave, including status, seniority, hours, benefits, compensation, and locality.

The change restricts an employer from requiring the employee to work or use other leave or benefits without their consent. Employers may also not retaliate or discriminate against an employee for seeking election or being appointed to a public office.

This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.