Signed by Governor Greg Gianforte

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Wrongful Discharge Act.

Highlights:

• Requires an employee to have a 12 month probationary period, not including leaves of absence, if an employer does not establish one beforehand and specifies that an extension to the probationary period may not exceed 18 months (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a discharge shall be wrongful if (Sec. 3): 

• It was in retaliation for the employee’s refusal to violate public policy or for reporting a violation of public policy;

• The employee had completed the probationary period and the discharge was not for good cause; or

• The employer materially violated an express provision of its own written personnel policies, and the violation was deemed unfair.

• Authorizes lost wages and fringe benefits up to 4 years if an employer committed a wrongful discharge (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text