2-6-1031. Definitions. As used in 2-6-1030 through 2-6-1033, the following definitions apply:

(1) (a) "Claim" means any claim against a governmental entity for $10,000 or more in monetary compensation, including but not limited to employment-related claims and tort claims.

(b) The term does not include benefits disputes under Title 39, chapter 51 or 71.

(2) "Department" means the department of administration provided for in 2-15-1001.

(3) "Employee" has the meaning provided in 2-9-101. The term includes a permanent employee, short-term worker, student intern, seasonal employee, personal staff, and temporary employee as those terms are defined in 2-18-101.

(4) "Monetary compensation" includes money and anything of financial value that is used by a governmental entity to resolve a claim, including but not limited to paid administrative leave and reinstatement or rehiring of a terminated employee.

(5) "Nondisclosure agreement" means any kind of contract or agreement requiring the parties to maintain confidentiality of any information related to a settlement with the state or compromise or settlement agreements with the state.

(6) "Settlement" means a binding legal agreement between the state or its agencies, departments, or other state entities and a party who accepts monetary compensation in return for releasing claims against the state or its entities.

(7) "State" and "governmental entity" means the state of Montana or any office, department, agency, authority, commission, board, institution, hospital, college, or university of the state.