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MontanaHB 9269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise laws related to alcohol regulation

Sponsored By: Ed Buttrey (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Alcohol

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Alcohol licenses can secure loans with safeguards

Regulated lenders may take an alcoholic beverage license and related assets as loan collateral. Secured parties cannot run the business or share profits, beyond collecting what is owed. After a default, they must notify the department within 7 days and transfer the license within 180 days, unless granted one 180-day extension. Filers of security interests must send documents with the license number and pay a $30 fee; the department then gives advance notices of revocation or lapse. Owner, coborrower, or guarantor payments on institutional loans are allowed if the payer is vetted, the payment is reported within 90 days, documented as a loan, and made with their own or institutional funds. Lenders have no duty to police coborrower or guarantor compliance.

State now issues alcohol registrations

The Department of Revenue now grants and issues alcohol registrations, in addition to licenses and permits. Businesses that make, distribute, or sell alcohol may need a registration.

New background check rules for alcohol licenses

The law requires license applicants and location managers to submit fingerprints for state and FBI checks. If you are approved, you can reuse one background check for up to 5 years if you have no new criminal charges. You do not need a new check just for changing your business form when no new owners are added.

New buying rules for alcohol retailers

Licensed retailers may buy beer and table wine from another licensed in-state retailer and bring it to their store. These purchases are capped at 6 gallons per day. Liquor store agents may buy table or sacramental wine directly from a licensed winery. Retailers must still buy only from licensed or registered suppliers, and the department can penalize buys from out-of-state retailers. Wholesalers may not sell or give beer to the public.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ed Buttrey

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Willis Curdy

    Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 292 • No: 7

Senate vote • 3/26/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/25/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 3

House vote • 1/22/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 2

House vote • 1/21/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    4/7/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    4/7/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    3/31/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    3/31/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    3/28/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    3/28/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    3/26/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    3/26/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    3/25/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    3/20/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    3/19/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    2/27/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    2/18/2025Senate

  14. 1st Reading

    1/23/2025Senate

  15. Transmitted to Senate

    1/22/2025House

  16. 3rd Reading

    1/22/2025House

  17. 2nd Reading

    1/21/2025House

  18. Committee Report

    1/15/2025House

  19. Committee Executive Action

    1/15/2025House

  20. Hearing

    1/9/2025House

  21. 1st Reading

    1/6/2025House

  22. Referred to Committee

    12/20/2024House

  23. Introduced

    12/16/2024House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    12/16/2024

    PDF

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