The Montana Senate has passed House Bill 952 through its second reading in a 34 to 16 vote, setting the stage for a final vote that would send the measure to Governor Greg Gianforte.
The legislation, which previously passed the House 57 to 40 earlier this month, would give the governor authority to enter into marijuana regulation agreements with tribal governments. Once the proposal is passed through its third reading in the Senate, it will be sent to Governor Gianforte for consideration.
HB 952 would enable the state and tribal governments to collaborate on matters related to marijuana production, processing, sales, taxation, and enforcement. Proponents of the measure say it’s designed to foster cooperation and resolve cross-jurisdictional issues that arise in tribal and non-tribal marijuana commerce.
The bill outlines that such agreements may cover criminal and civil law enforcement, regulation of both medical and recreational marijuana, marijuana-related research, and taxation policies. Tribes would be able to exempt certain sales and medical marijuana uses from state taxation under the terms of these agreements.
If passed into law, the measure would take effect on July 1.
