Authorizing governor to enter into agreements with tribal governments relating to marijuana
HB 952 authorizes Montana's governor to negotiate agreements with federally recognized tribal governments regarding marijuana regulation, directly affecting tribes and tribal businesses operating on tribal lands. The agreements would cover shared issues like law enforcement, commercial sales, taxation, and dispute resolution, including tax exemptions for tribal-grown marijuana sold within tribal jurisdiction. The bill also appropriates $1,000 for the Office of Indian Affairs and requires notifying tribal governments, but it was vetoed by the governor on June 19, 2025, preventing it from becoming law. Key provisions mandate agreements address public safety, facility security, and cross-border marijuana commerce in Indian country.
Bill status
vetoed
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House Passage
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Vetoed
Jun 2025
Introduced Apr 1, 2025
Vetoed Jun 19, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 4 comparisons
What changed between versions
HB0952_X(8).pdf
→
HB0952GovVeto.pdf
·
4 edits
MODERATE
The document changed from a legislative bill (HB 952) authorizing the Montana Governor to create agreements with tribes on marijuana regulation to a formal veto letter from Governor Gianforte rejecting the bill. The bill was removed entirely, replaced by a letter citing a lack of tribal consultation and concerns over tribal sovereignty.
Scope change
The scope changed from a proposed law establishing a new regulatory framework for marijuana between the state and tribes to a veto message that halts the bill's enactment.
LEGISLATION
The entire text of House Bill 952, which authorized the governor to enter agreements with tribal governments regarding marijuana regulation, was removed.
VETO
A formal veto letter from Governor Gianforte was added, stating the bill is vetoed due to a lack of meaningful consultation with tribes and because it undermines tribal sovereignty.
FISCAL
The provision appropriating $1,000 from the general fund to the office of Indian affairs was removed as the bill is no longer in effect.
REQUIREMENT
All statutory requirements for marijuana agreements, including specific provisions on enforcement, taxation, and dispute resolution, were removed.
Floor votes · Senate Apr 18, 2025 · House Apr 8, 2025
How they voted
32–18
Passed
Total votes 50
Apr 18, 2025
D
Democratic18
100% Yea
R
Republican32
56% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
40
Key actions
8
Committee
6
Jun 19, 2025
Vetoed
(H) Vetoed by Governor
lower
Jun 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Signed by President
upper
Jun 2, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Signed by Speaker
lower
Apr 18, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (32-18)
senate
Apr 16, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Report - (S) Energy, Technology & Federal Relations
upper
Apr 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Energy, Technology & Federal Relations
upper
Apr 10, 2025
Committee
(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Energy, Technology & Federal Relations
upper
Apr 8, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (57-40-3)
house
Apr 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Report - (H) Energy, Technology and Federal Relations
lower
Apr 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Executive Action - (H) Energy, Technology and Federal Relations
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Committee
(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Energy, Technology and Federal Relations
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Introduced
(H) Introduced
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Frank Smith
DDemocratic
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