The proposed bill seeks to revise the regulatory framework surrounding tobacco products by expanding the definition of "tobacco" to encompass alternative nicotine and vapor products. This change will integrate these products into the existing licensing system, which will now include associated licensing fees. Additionally, the bill repeals the previous prohibition on local ordinances that restricted the sale of tobacco products, granting local governments greater authority to regulate these sales. Key amendments include the insertion of new definitions that classify alternative nicotine and vapor products as tobacco products, ensuring they are subject to the same regulations as traditional tobacco products.

Furthermore, the bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated, requiring establishment owners or managers to complete self-teaching materials and submit a written statement to the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) confirming employee compliance. It also stipulates that after the sixth violation of tobacco regulations, the DPHHS must notify the Department of Revenue to initiate license suspension proceedings. The bill clarifies that compliance inspections will be conducted by the DPHHS, and documentation of violations will be sent to the Department of Revenue. Notably, it removes references to "alternative nicotine products" and "vapor products" from various sections, focusing solely on tobacco products and streamlining the regulatory framework for tobacco sales.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-1-111, 16-11-302, 16-11-303, 16-11-304, 16-11-305, 16-11-306, 16-11-308, 16-11-309, 16-11-310, 16-11-311
HB0177_1(1): 7-1-111, 16-11-302, 16-11-303, 16-11-304, 16-11-305, 16-11-306, 16-11-308, 16-11-309, 16-11-310, 16-11-311
HB0177_1(2): 7-1-111, 16-11-302, 16-11-303, 16-11-304, 16-11-305, 16-11-306, 16-11-308, 16-11-309, 16-11-310, 16-11-311
HB0177_1(3): 7-1-111, 16-11-302, 16-11-303, 16-11-304, 16-11-305, 16-11-306, 16-11-308, 16-11-309, 16-11-310, 16-11-311
HB0177_1: 7-1-111, 16-11-302, 16-11-303, 16-11-304, 16-11-305, 16-11-306, 16-11-308, 16-11-309, 16-11-310, 16-11-311