Montana Senate Bill 11, a measure that would standardize how cities and counties handle marijuana-related ballot initiatives and tax proposals, has cleared both chambers of the legislature and been sent to Governor Greg Gianforte for consideration.
Montana State Capitol Building.
The measure, introduced by State Senator Forrest Mandeville (R), was officially sent to Governor Greg Gianforte today, following signatures from the Senate president and House speaker. The measure was approved by the Senate on March 31 by a vote of 50 to 0, and it was passed by the House five days prior 99 to 0.
SB 11 creates a statewide framework for local ballot issues, including those to approve or ban marijuana businesses, or to implement local marijuana excise taxes. It establishes uniform rules for petition formatting, signature requirements, legal review, and ballot language—replacing several older statutes with a streamlined and more regulated process.
Among the most impactful changes for marijuana policy is the formalization of how these local questions must be presented to voters. SB 11 requires local government attorneys to draft a concise “statement of purpose” (up to 135 words) that fairly and clearly explains the intent of each ballot issue. It also mandates two neutral “statements of implication”—one explaining what a vote “for” the measure would do, and one explaining what a vote “against” would do—each limited to 25 words.
These statements must be printed on petitions and directly on the ballot next to options that follow this format:
☐ FOR allowing adult-use marijuana dispensaries in the county.
☐ AGAINST allowing adult-use marijuana dispensaries in the county.
In addition to standardizing this language, the bill sets a 15% signature threshold for most local initiative petitions, based on registered voters in the last general election, and allows for special elections if 25% or more of voters sign. It also ensures that approved petitions can suspend new ordinances—including those authorizing marijuana businesses or taxes—until voters have a chance to weigh in.
If signed into law, SB 11 would take effect immediately and apply to all local ballot measures submitted after that date.
