Mont. Code Ann. § 61-2-204

Notwithstanding section 1, Chapter 272, Laws of 1971, the commissioner of this state on the vehicle equipment safety commission is the highway patrol chief who shall serve during the continuance as highway patrol chief. The commissioner appointed pursuant to this section may designate an alternate from among the officers and employees of the highway patrol to serve in the commissioner's place on the vehicle equipment safety commission. Subject to the provisions of the compact and bylaws of the vehicle equipment safety commission, the authority and responsibilities of the alternate are as determined by the commissioner.