House Bill No. introduced by B. Mercer aims to revise laws concerning local government authority over marijuana dispensaries and businesses. The bill amends Section 16-12-301 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to establish that marijuana businesses cannot operate in counties where the majority of voters opposed Initiative Measure No. 190 in the November 2020 election unless they receive local jurisdiction approval and are licensed by the state. It also clarifies that former medical marijuana licensees can continue operations under certain conditions, even if local jurisdictions do not take action on their applications.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for ballot language regarding the prohibition of specific marijuana business categories, ensuring that voters are clearly informed about what they are voting on. The ballot must include specific wording for banning marijuana cultivation and manufacturing, and any vote to prohibit these businesses will take effect 90 days after the election. The bill also states that local governments cannot restrict the transportation of marijuana by licensed individuals on public roads.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-12-301
HB0688_1(1): 16-12-301
HB0688_1(2): 16-12-301
HB0688_1(3): 16-12-301
HB0688_1(4): 16-12-301
HB0688_1(5): 16-12-301
HB0688_1: 16-12-301