MontanaHB 73569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revising alcohol laws

Sponsored By: Steve Fitzpatrick (Republican)

Became Law

Alcohol and Drugs

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New fingerprint checks for alcohol licenses

Applicants for the alcohol licenses listed in law must submit fingerprints for Department of Justice and FBI background checks. Any person employed as a location manager must also give fingerprints. The results determine license eligibility. One approved background check can be reused for five years if the applicant attests to no new criminal charges. Publicly traded companies only need prints from an officer and any location manager. If a business serves as the location manager, the designated person must give prints. Changing your business form without new owners does not trigger new prints.

New ABV rules for beer and wine

Montana updates how alcoholic drinks are defined. Beer is a malt drink up to 8.75% ABV, or up to 14% ABV if at least 75% of sugars come from malted grain. Caffeinated or stimulant‑enhanced malt drinks are not beer. Hard cider is 0.5% to 8.5% ABV. Table wine is up to 16% ABV and includes hard cider. Wine is 0.5% to 24% ABV. Liquor is any alcoholic drink that is not beer or table wine. The law also updates terms like guest ranch, curbside pickup, growler, and storage depot, which businesses must follow.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Willis Curdy
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 286 • No: 10

House vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 44 • No: 4

House vote • 4/12/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 2

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 96 • No: 3

House vote • 3/6/2025