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Bills to change how local governments put marijuana bans on ballots draw industry opposition
Summary
House Bills 698 and 688 would clarify how a county or municipality can present a ballot question to prohibit categories of recreational marijuana businesses; sponsor says the bills clarify long-standing statutory intent, while cannabis industry groups and businesses say the bills impose a double standard that reduces citizen initiative power and risks litigation and business harm. No committee votes were taken.
Representative Bill Mercer (House District 52, Billings) presented House Bill 698, which he said clarifies ballot language and process for counties or municipalities that seek to prohibit recreational marijuana dispensaries previously allowed within their jurisdiction. He told the Senate Local Government Committee the measure is rooted in language from House Bill 701 (2001) and Initiative Measure 190 and is intended to clear up a confusing local implementation in Yellowstone County.
Mercer said the bills are not intended to strip voters of power but to “tee up very clearly for the voters” what they are deciding. “When we said in 07/2001 that we…
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