House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to repeal the prohibition on local governments regulating auxiliary containers, which are defined in the now-repealed Section 7-1-121 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The bill amends Sections 7-1-111 and 7-5-131, MCA, to remove references to the regulation of auxiliary containers, thereby allowing local governments the authority to create their own regulations regarding these containers. Specifically, it deletes the language that previously restricted local governments from regulating the use, sale, or taxation of auxiliary containers.

Additionally, the bill modifies the powers of initiative and referendum for local governments by clarifying that the powers of initiative do not extend to the regulation of auxiliary containers, which is now no longer prohibited. This change is intended to provide local governments with greater flexibility in addressing environmental concerns and local needs related to auxiliary containers, such as plastic bags and other similar items. The repeal of Section 7-1-121 signifies a shift towards allowing local jurisdictions to establish their own regulations without state-level restrictions.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(1): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(10): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(2): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(3): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(4): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(5): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(6): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(7): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(8): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1(9): 7-1-111, 7-5-131
HB0160_1: 7-1-111, 7-5-131