Montana Protects Volunteer Emergency Responders from Retaliation - HR ALERTS

Montana Protects Volunteer Emergency Responders from Retaliation

Effective: October 1, 2025

Effective October 1, 2025, Montana’s new law prohibits employers from firing an employee because the employee:

• Serves as a volunteer emergency service provider or joins a volunteer emergency service organization, or

• Is late or absent from work while performing volunteer emergency service duties during an emergency.

Important Note: Employees must provide 30 days’ written notice of their intention to serve or join a volunteer emergency service organization.

Action Item for Employers:

• As needed work with your HRBP to update workplace policies and manager training to reflect these new protections.

• Ensure any attendance or disciplinary actions do not violate this law when employees are absent due to protected emergency service duties.

Reference: MT HB 128 

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