2-18-1202. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Agency" has the meaning provided in 2-18-101 but does not include the Montana university system.

(2) (a) "Employee" means a person employed by the state who has achieved permanent status, as defined in 2-18-101, or officers and employees of the legislative branch and teachers under the authority of the department of corrections or department of public health and human services who have been employed for at least 6 continuous months.

(b) The term does not include a student intern, as defined in 2-18-101.

(3) "Privatization" means contracting with the private sector to provide a service normally or traditionally provided directly by an employee of an agency.