The bill establishes new reporting requirements for food products procured by governmental bodies in Montana, amending Section 18-4-132 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). It introduces a new section that allows for the procurement of Montana-produced food products either through standard procedures or direct purchase, provided certain conditions are met regarding quality, quantity, and pricing. Additionally, it mandates that contracts for food procurement valued at $100,000 or more, entered into or renewed after June 30, 2025, must include a provision requiring vendors to submit an annual report detailing the total dollar value of food products purchased, including a breakdown of Montana-produced items across various categories.

The bill also clarifies that contracts for alcoholic beverages purchased by the Department of Revenue are exempt from these reporting requirements. The definitions of "food" and "produced" are updated to encompass a broader range of items, including both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is intended to be codified as part of Title 18, Chapter 4, Part 1 of the MCA.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 18-4-132
SB0246_1(1): 18-4-132
SB0246_1: 18-4-132