House Bill No. introduced by J. Hinkle aims to revise the marijuana election requirements in certain municipalities in Montana. The bill amends Section 16-12-301 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the local government authority to regulate marijuana businesses and establish an opt-in requirement for counties where voters previously rejected Initiative Measure No. 190 in the November 2020 general election. Key provisions include the requirement for local jurisdiction approval for various categories of marijuana businesses before they can operate, as well as exemptions for former medical marijuana licensees under certain conditions.

The bill also introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding the election process for approving marijuana business categories within local jurisdictions. Notably, it specifies that a "qualified municipality" is one that has an organized and currently managed local police department, excluding those relying on external law enforcement services. Additionally, the bill allows for the possibility of municipalities to hold separate elections regarding marijuana business operations and outlines the process for overturning previously approved categories. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-12-301
HB0659_1(1): 16-12-301
HB0659_1(2): 16-12-301
HB0659_1(3): 16-12-301
HB0659_1(4): 16-12-301
HB0659_1(5): 16-12-301
HB0659_1: 16-12-301
HB0659_2(1): 16-12-301
HB0659_2(2): 16-12-301
HB0659_2(3): 16-12-301
HB0659_2(4): 16-12-301
HB0659_2(5): 16-12-301
HB0659_2(6): 16-12-301
HB0659_2(7): 16-12-301
HB0659_2: 16-12-301