MontanaHB 21169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revise alcohol laws

Sponsored By: Katie Zolnikov (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AlcoholRevenue, StateRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Safety rules for alcohol delivery

Recipients must be 21+, and drivers must verify age with ID‑scanning tech or a department‑approved method. Drivers must be at least 21, work for the licensee, have proper ID or license, have no DUI in the last 7 years, and no felony unless rights are restored. Drivers must complete approved alcohol training before their first delivery. No deliveries to other alcohol retailers (except licensed hotel guest rooms), to higher‑education campus locations, or to places without a permanent street address. Outer packaging must say it has alcohol unless the driver packed it or got an electronic notice, alcohol must be kept out of the driver’s reach in cars and bikes, and delivery records must be kept for 3 years.

Stronger training rules for alcohol staff

Beginning January 1, 2026, any worker who sells, serves, or delivers alcohol—and their immediate supervisor—must finish approved training within 60 days and every 3 years. Businesses must keep proof of training and certify each year at renewal that they comply; false statements can bring administrative penalties or false‑swearing charges. The Department of Revenue runs and certifies training and must approve, deny, or request changes to delivery‑training submissions within 30 business days. Delivery and delivery‑facilitating businesses count as licensees starting January 1, 2026, and face the same enforcement rules as other alcohol sellers. Fines for training noncompliance are $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second, and $350 for the third within 3 years.

New license for alcohol delivery

The law creates a license for businesses to deliver beer and table wine from off‑premises retailers to customers. You pay $1,000 to apply and $1,000 each year to renew, and you must carry at least $1,000,000 per‑occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate liability insurance. Grocery stores and licensed pharmacies can get an endorsement to deliver to homes and businesses. The retail store controls the selection and prices; delivery companies cannot sell alcohol. Alcohol may leave the store only during legal sales hours, delivery must finish within one hour after sales end, undelivered items go back to the store, and drivers cannot be paid only when a delivery completes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Katie Zolnikov
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Jeremy Trebas
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 243 • No: 54

Senate vote • 3/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 37 • No: 12

Senate vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 38 • No: 12

House vote • 2/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 84 • No: 15

House vote • 1/31/2025