senate joint resolution NO. 31

INTRODUCED BY E. Boldman

By Request of the ****

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF IMPLEMENTATION OF MONTANA'S RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, a study of the control of the effects of Montana's new recreational marijuana program would allow the Legislature to review its impact on local and state government, addiction, possible efficiencies to jails and the Department of Corrections, the number of expungements processed for the judicial branch, and the related tax revenue; and

WHEREAS, Montana can review its roles in the number of states that are benefiting financially from taxation of well-regulated, controlled recreational marijuana and avoid the costs associated with an unregulated, uncontrolled black-market distribution of marijuana and the negative social implications of that black market; and

WHEREAS, the United States Congress has several bipartisan bills pending that may be enacted prior to the 2023 legislative session that may result in new marijuana banking laws, rescheduled or legalized marijuana nationwide, or both.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:

(1) evaluate the state's current marijuana program;

(2) review the effects that legalization of recreational marijuana has had on Montana, including but not limited to the effects on:

(a) state and local government tax collections; and

(b) recidivism, addiction, and expungements;

(3) monitor changes in federal policy that could affect recreational marijuana laws in the states; and

(4) evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of continuing the medical marijuana system in Montana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include representatives of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Justice, the Department of Revenue, the Office of State Public Defender, the Department of Corrections, federal and local law enforcement agencies, Indian tribes, the district court system, schools, and state or local groups that work on topics related to the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 68th Legislature.