Bill > HB688

This bill modifies Montana's local government authority regarding marijuana businesses, primarily focusing on how counties and municipalities can regulate and approve or prohibit different categories of marijuana businesses. The bill requires local jurisdictions where voters previously rejected Initiative Measure No. 190 (which legalized marijuana) to hold elections to approve specific marijuana business categories, such as cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, testing laboratories, and transporters. Under the bill, local governments can regulate marijuana businesses for public health and safety, and they can conduct elections to approve or ban specific types of marijuana businesses. The bill also establishes specific ballot language for elections on banning marijuana cultivation and manufacturing, requiring clear "FOR" and "AGAINST" options. Additionally, the bill allows counties, consolidated city-counties, and municipalities that previously approved marijuana businesses to later vote to prohibit those businesses, with such prohibitions taking effect 90 days after the local election. Former medical marijuana licensees are given some exemptions and protections during this process, allowing them to continue operating under certain conditions while transitioning to the new regulatory framework.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3457