New Montana Bill Affects Workers’ Compensation Eligibility
Montana legislators are reviewing a proposed bill that could significantly impact undocumented workers. House Bill 805 (H.B. 805), which was introduced on Wednesday, aims to amend the current workers’ compensation laws. The bill seeks to redefine the term ’employee’ to include only ‘aliens who are lawfully employed’, effectively excluding undocumented workers from receiving compensation for workplace injuries.
In addition to redefining eligibility, the proposed legislation would grant insurers the authority to terminate benefits for any injured workers who leave the United States. This change would mark a significant shift in how workers’ rights are handled within the state, particularly affecting those without legal residency status.
