53-2-1216. Definitions. As used in 53-2-1215 through 53-2-1220, the following definitions apply:
     (1) "BEAR program" means a business expansion and retention program implemented by local communities that uses assessments, interviews, and surveys to assist employers and that has been recognized as a BEAR program for the purposes of 53-2-1215 through 53-2-1220 by the governor's office of economic development, the department of commerce, and the department.
     (2) "Department" means the department of labor and industry provided for in 2-15-1701.
     (3) "Eligible training provider" means:
     (a) a unit of the university system, as defined in 20-25-201;
     (b) a community college district, as defined in 20-15-101;
     (c) an accredited, tribally controlled community college located in the state of Montana;
     (d) an apprenticeship program that is in compliance with Title 39, chapter 6; or
     (e) an entity approved to provide workforce training that is approved by representatives of the BEAR program, the small business development centers, or the Montana manufacturing extension center at Montana state university-Bozeman.
     (4) "Employee" or "worker" means an individual currently employed in a full-time job or a permanent part-time job.
     (5) "Employer" means a business entity that employs 20 or fewer employees in this state in one location but not more than 50 employees statewide and that is registered with the secretary of state to conduct business as a sole proprietor, if required, or as a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, or an association.
     (6) "Full-time job" means a predominantly year-round position requiring an average of 35 hours or more of work each week.
     (7) "Incumbent worker" means an employee who has completed a probationary period as defined by the employer's policy or as described in 39-2-904, whichever period is shorter.
     (8) "Incumbent worker training program grant" or "grant" means the grant awarded to employers to hire eligible training providers to provide incumbent workers with education and training required to improve productivity, efficiency, or wages in existing jobs.
     (9) "Permanent part-time job" means a predominantly year-round position requiring an average of 20 to 34 hours of work each week.

     History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 325, L. 2009.