Revise alcohol laws related to responsible server and sales training
HB 157 revises Montana's responsible server and sales training requirements for alcohol service. It mandates two distinct training programs: one for employees at locations allowing on-premises consumption (like bars), and a shorter program (half the duration) for employees at locations only providing off-premises consumption (like liquor stores). Both programs must cover alcohol effects, ID verification, handling intoxicated patrons, and liability procedures, ending with a final test and certificate. The law, signed by the Governor on April 7, 2025, directly affects licensed alcohol businesses and their staff across Montana.
Bill statussignedall 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Jan 9, 2025Signed Apr 7, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 15 comparisons
What changed between versions
HB0157_2(14).pdf→HB0157_X(17).pdf·2 edits
MINOR
The bill was updated from a draft version to an enrolled, officially passed version, adding signatures and certification lines. The substantive policy content remains unchanged, maintaining requirements for two distinct alcohol server training programs: one for on-premises consumption and a shorter one for off-premises consumption, both effective January 1, 2026.
Scope change
None; the scope of the law remains the same, but the document now includes official signatures certifying passage.
TECHNICAL
Added official certification lines, signatures for the House and Senate, and an 'ENROLLED BILL' header to indicate the bill has been formally passed.
Adjusted formatting and line breaks to match the official enrolled bill layout.
HB0157_X(16).pdf→HB0157_2(13).pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill was reformatted from a draft version to an enrolled, final legislative text. While the core policy requirements for alcohol server training remain the same, the official version includes standard legal formatting, signatures, and a specific effective date of January 1, 2026.
Scope change
The bill's scope and applicability remain unchanged; it continues to mandate two distinct training programs for alcohol servers based on whether their workplace allows on-premises consumption.
TECHNICAL
The text was converted from a draft format to an official enrolled bill format, including the addition of signatures from legislative officials and standardized headers.
Draft-specific markers and placeholder lines were removed to finalize the document.
TIMELINE
The effective date was explicitly set to January 1, 2026, clarifying when the new training requirements will begin.
HB0157_X(14).pdf→HB0157_X(15).pdf·1 edit
MINOR
The bill removed a redundant instruction to repeat the word 'AMENDING' in the legislative text. This change is purely technical and does not alter the bill's legal requirements, scope, or policy outcomes.
TECHNICAL
Deleted the word 'AMENDING' from a line to correct a formatting error and remove redundancy.
HB0157_X(6).pdf→HB0157_X(7).pdf·2 edits
MINOR
The bill text shows minor formatting updates, including a change in the bill number format from 'HB0157' to 'HB 157' and the addition of an 'ENROLLED BILL' label. These changes appear to be technical or clerical rather than substantive policy modifications.
TECHNICAL
Updated the bill number format from 'HB0157' to 'HB 157' in the header and enrolled sections.
Added the 'ENROLLED BILL' designation to the document header.
HB0157_X(4).pdf→HB0157_X(5).pdf·2 edits
MINOR
The bill underwent minor text cleanup to remove redundant punctuation (a period and quotation mark) from the summary of changes. Additionally, the effective date was adjusted to January 1, 2026, and the signature block was updated to reflect the 2025 signing year. These changes do not alter the substantive policy, requirements, or scope of the legislation.
Scope change
No substantive change to the bill's scope or applicability.
TIMELINE
The effective date was explicitly set to January 1, 2026, and the signature date was updated to 2025.
TECHNICAL
Redundant punctuation marks (a period and closing quotation mark) were removed from the legislative summary text.
HB0157_2(12).pdf→HB0157_X.pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates the responsible server training requirements to distinguish between on-premises and off-premises alcohol consumption. It mandates two separate training programs, requiring the off-premises version to be significantly shorter than the on-premises version. The bill also clarifies that the department cannot provide the training itself, only certify external programs.
Scope change
The scope of applicability was expanded to explicitly require two distinct training programs based on the type of licensed location (on-premises vs. off-premises), whereas previously the distinction was less explicit in the act's title and summary.
REQUIREMENT
The training requirements were modified to mandate two separate programs: one for on-premises consumption and a shorter one for off-premises consumption.
The duration requirement was modified to specify that the off-premises training program must be completed in at least half the time of the on-premises program.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility for the training certification was clarified to apply specifically to employees of licensees based on whether they serve on-premises or off-premises.
TECHNICAL
Minor formatting and line break changes were made to the bill text and title.
HB0157_3.pdf→HB0157_2(12).pdf·2 edits
MINOR
The bill text was reformatted to match standard legislative formatting, removing the 'Enrolled Bill' certification language and signatures from the original version. The substantive content regarding responsible server training requirements and the effective date remained unchanged.
TECHNICAL
Removed the 'Enrolled Bill' certification block, including the Chief Clerk and Speaker signatures, which indicates the bill has been passed and finalized.
Reorganized the header and title sections to follow standard bill formatting conventions.
HB0157_2(11).pdf→HB0157_3.pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill clarifies that alcohol server training must be split into two distinct programs based on where alcohol is consumed: one for on-premise locations (like bars) and a shorter, less time-intensive version for off-premise locations (like liquor stores). This change ensures that employees at liquor stores are not forced to undergo the same lengthy training as bartenders, while maintaining safety standards for both groups.
Scope change
The bill's scope now explicitly distinguishes between training requirements for employees at licensed locations based on whether they serve alcohol on-premises or off-premises.
REQUIREMENT
Training programs are now categorized into two classes: one for on-premise consumption and a separate, shorter program for off-premise consumption.
The duration requirement was updated to mandate that the off-premises training program must take at least half the time of the on-premises program.
TECHNICAL
The bill text was reformatted and updated to reflect its status as an enrolled bill, including signatures and certification details.
HB0157_1(7).pdf→HB0157_2(10).pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill was renumbered from HB 157.1 to HB 0157.2 and updated to reflect a new delayed effective date. The most significant substantive change is the addition of a new section setting the effective date to January 1, 2026, which delays the implementation of the bill's provisions by a year. The original text also included a note about amending a specific section regarding responsible server training, which remains in the bill but is now accompanied by the new timeline.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on amending section 16-4-1006 of the Montana Code Annotated regarding responsible server training, but the applicability is now subject to a one-year delay.
TIMELINE
Added a new section establishing a delayed effective date of January 1, 2026, postponing when the new requirements take effect.
TECHNICAL
Updated the bill number from HB 157.1 to HB 0157.2 and adjusted the header formatting.
REQUIREMENT
Expanded the summary of changes to explicitly mention the delayed effective date alongside the existing amendment to the responsible server training section.
HB0157_2(9).pdf→HB0157_1(7).pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill number was updated from HB 157.2 to HB 157.1, likely reflecting a revision in the legislative process. The most significant substantive change is the removal of a specific provision requiring licensees to provide off-premises consumption training within a shorter timeframe, simplifying the training requirements. Additionally, the effective date clause and the 'END' marker were removed, indicating that the bill no longer specifies a future implementation date or has been restructured.
Scope change
The bill's scope regarding training requirements for off-premises consumption was narrowed by removing a specific time-limit constraint.
REQUIREMENT
Deleted a requirement for licensees providing off-premises consumption to complete training within half the standard time.
TIMELINE
Removed the specific effective date provision that set the law to take effect on January 1, 2026.
TECHNICAL
Updated the bill designation from HB 157.2 to HB 157.1 and removed the 'END' marker.
HB0157_1(6).pdf→HB0157_2(9).pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill was renumbered from HB 157.1 to HB0157.2 and updated to include a delayed effective date provision. The most significant substantive change is the addition of a new section establishing that the act will not take effect until January 1, 2026, providing a one-year delay from the 2025 legislative session.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on amending alcohol licensing regulations, but the applicability timeline has been extended by one year.
TIMELINE
Added a new effective date section requiring the law to take effect on January 1, 2026, instead of immediately.
TECHNICAL
Updated the bill title line to reflect the new bill number HB0157.2 and added a note about the delayed effective date.
Removed the original bill number HB 157.1 and the immediate effective date language from the title.
HB0157_2(8).pdf→HB0157_1(6).pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to remove a delayed effective date provision, meaning the law will now take effect immediately upon passage rather than waiting until January 1, 2026. Additionally, the title was updated to remove a reference to a specific amendment regarding time limits for off-premises consumption, and the bill number was adjusted from HB0157.2 to HB 157.1.
Scope change
The bill's scope regarding the timing of its implementation changed from a future date to immediate effect.
TIMELINE
The provision delaying the effective date to January 1, 2026 was deleted, resulting in immediate implementation.
TECHNICAL
The bill title and version number were updated to reflect the removal of the delayed effective date clause.
REQUIREMENT
A specific reference in the title regarding time limits for off-premises consumption was removed from the bill's description.
HB0157_2(3).pdf→HB0157_2(4).pdf·1 edit
MINOR
The bill text was updated to add a conjunction ('AND') at the end of the title, clarifying that the legislation includes two distinct actions: amending a specific alcohol code section and setting a delayed effective date. This change improves the grammatical flow and readability of the bill's title without altering the substantive legal requirements or scope of the law.
TECHNICAL
Added the word 'AND' to the bill title to grammatically connect the amendment of Section 16-4-1006 with the provision of a delayed effective date.
HB0157_1(5).pdf→HB0157_2.pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill was renumbered from HB 157.1 to HB0157.2 and updated to reflect the 69th Legislature. The most significant substantive change is the addition of a new section establishing a delayed effective date of January 1, 2026, allowing time for preparation before the new rules take effect. Minor text formatting adjustments were also made to the summary lines describing the bill's purpose.
TIMELINE
Added a new section setting the effective date to January 1, 2026, deferring the implementation of the bill's provisions.
TECHNICAL
Updated the bill number from HB 157.1 to HB0157.2 and adjusted the legislature year header formatting.
Reformatted the summary lines to remove a semicolon and slightly altered the phrasing regarding the amendment of Section 16-4-1006.
LC1667.pdf→HB0157_1.pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill was officially renamed from LC1667 to HB 157, reflecting its transition from a committee version to a formal House bill. The sponsor information was added, identifying K. Kortum and E. Buttrely as the introducers. These changes are primarily technical and procedural, establishing the bill's official identity and leadership for the 69th Legislature.
TECHNICAL
The bill number was updated from LC1667.1 to HB 157.1 to reflect its official House filing status.
Sponsor names (K. Kortum and E. Buttrely) were added to the introduction line.
The authorized print version header was updated to match the new bill number HB 157.
Floor votes · Senate Mar 24, 2025 · House Jan 27, 2025
How they voted
40–10
Passed
Total votes 50
Mar 24, 2025
D
Democratic18
17 Yea1 Nay
94% Yea
R
Republican32
23 Yea9 Nay
71% Yea
Your representatives
Vote distribution
All YeaAll NayMixedNo data
85–12
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 100
Jan 27, 2025
D
Democratic42
39 Yea1 Nay2
92% Yea
R
Republican58
46 Yea11 Nay1
79% Yea
Your representatives
Vote distribution
All YeaAll NayMixedNo data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
41
Key actions
9
Committee
6
Apr 7, 2025
Became-Law
Chapter Number Assigned
legislature
Apr 7, 2025
Signed into law
(H) Signed by Governor
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Executive-Receipt
(H) Transmitted to Governor
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Signed by President
upper
Mar 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Signed by Speaker
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Other
(H) Returned from Enrolling
lower
Mar 24, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (40-10)
senate
Mar 24, 2025
Other
(H) Sent to Enrolling
lower
Mar 24, 2025
Reading-3
(S) 3rd Reading
upper
Mar 24, 2025
Reading-3
(S) Scheduled for 3rd Reading
upper
Mar 21, 2025
Reading-2
(S) 2nd Reading
upper
Mar 21, 2025
Reading-2
(S) Scheduled for 2nd Reading
upper
Mar 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Report - (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
upper
Mar 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Other
(S) Hearing - (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
upper
Feb 18, 2025
Committee
(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs
upper
Jan 28, 2025
Reading-1
(S) 1st Reading
upper
Jan 27, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (85-12-3)
house
Jan 27, 2025
Other
(H) Transmitted to Senate
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Reading-3
(H) 3rd Reading
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Reading-3
(H) Scheduled for 3rd Reading
lower
Jan 24, 2025
Reading-2
(H) 2nd Reading
lower
Jan 24, 2025
Reading-2
(H) Scheduled for 2nd Reading
lower
Jan 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Report - (H) Business and Labor
lower
Jan 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Executive Action - (H) Business and Labor
lower
Jan 16, 2025
Other
(H) Fiscal Note Printed
lower
Jan 15, 2025
Other
(H) Fiscal Note Signed
lower
Jan 15, 2025
Receipt
(H) Fiscal Note Received
lower
Jan 15, 2025
Other
(H) Hearing - (H) Business and Labor
lower
Jan 10, 2025
Reading-1
(H) 1st Reading
lower
Jan 10, 2025
Committee
(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Business and Labor
