Bill > HB92

This bill makes several technical amendments to Montana's alcohol regulation laws across five different sections. In Section 1, the bill updates the functions and powers of the state's alcohol regulatory department, adding the ability to grant "registrations" alongside existing licensing powers and clarifying administrative procedures. Section 2 simplifies language regarding wholesaler sales restrictions by removing an exception reference. Section 3 modifies purchasing and sales regulations for alcohol retailers, distributors, and wholesalers, including a new provision allowing liquor store agents to purchase sacramental wine from wineries. Section 4 revises background check requirements for alcohol license applicants, particularly for corporate entities, making it easier for businesses to transfer or maintain licenses without repeated background checks. Section 5 provides detailed regulations about security interests in alcohol licenses, including how lenders can obtain and manage such interests, specifying notification requirements, and outlining conditions under which third parties can make loan payments without creating undisclosed ownership interests. The bill becomes effective immediately upon passage and appears to be a technical cleanup and clarification of existing alcohol regulatory statutes, proposed by the Montana Department of Revenue to streamline administrative processes and address potential ambiguities in the current law.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0203