Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes revisions to Montana's alcohol laws, specifically addressing the legal age for possession and consumption of beer and table wine. The bill allows individuals aged 18 to 20 to possess and consume these beverages in the presence of a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is at least 21 years old, provided that local governments opt in through an ordinance or resolution. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including 16-3-301, 16-3-309, 16-4-1002, 16-4-1006, and 16-6-305, to incorporate these changes and clarify the conditions under which alcohol can be consumed by this age group.

Key amendments include the insertion of provisions that allow for the consumption of alcohol by individuals aged 18 to 20, with specific stipulations regarding parental consent and the presence of a legal guardian or spouse. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to ensure that the sale and provision of alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21 are still regulated, except as provided in the new section. The bill emphasizes the need for local governments to enact ordinances to permit this change, thereby giving them the authority to regulate alcohol consumption within their jurisdictions.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-3-301, 16-3-309, 16-4-1002, 16-4-1006, 16-6-305
SB0195_1(1): 16-3-301, 16-3-309, 16-4-1002, 16-4-1006, 16-6-305
SB0195_1(2): 16-3-301, 16-3-309, 16-4-1002, 16-4-1006, 16-6-305
SB0195_1(3): 16-3-301, 16-3-309, 16-4-1002, 16-4-1006, 16-6-305
SB0195_1(4): 16-3-301, 16-3-309, 16-4-1002, 16-4-1006, 16-6-305
SB0195_1: 16-3-301, 16-3-309, 16-4-1002, 16-4-1006, 16-6-305