Bill > HB659

This bill revises marijuana election requirements for local governments in Montana, focusing on how counties and municipalities can approve or prohibit different categories of marijuana businesses. The bill modifies existing law to require a two-thirds majority vote (instead of a simple majority) in qualified municipalities to approve or prohibit specific types of marijuana businesses. A "qualified municipality" is newly defined as a city or town with its own local police department, excluding those receiving law enforcement services from external agencies. The bill maintains provisions that prevent marijuana businesses from operating in counties where voters originally rejected Initiative Measure No. 190 in the 2020 election, unless local approval is obtained. It also preserves protections for existing medical marijuana licensees, allowing them to continue operating under certain conditions. The legislation provides local governments the ability to regulate marijuana businesses for public health and safety, conduct elections on marijuana business approvals, and allows for future votes to overturn previous approvals. The bill becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1314