Montana Cannabis Revenue Bill Veto On Thin Ice, State’s Supreme Court Defies Gov With Ruling To Clear Legislative Path
The Montana Supreme Court rejected the state’s request to halt a lower court’s mandate. This directive compels Governor Greg Gianforte (R) and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen to proceed with an override poll concerning a vetoed cannabis revenue bill.
The court’s decision grants lawmakers a renewed opportunity to reassess Senate Bill 442, which Gianforte vetoed at the 2023 session’s conclusion.
Bipartisan Support Clashes With Governor’s Veto
At the heart of the dispute is the proposed redistribution of recreational cannabis tax revenues. The bill, demonstrating substantial bipartisan approval, sought to funnel more funds toward habitat conservation and county infrastructure.
However, Governor Gianforte’s veto has ignited a constitutional and political debate, highlighting the delicate balance of power within Montana’s governmental framework, as Blair Miller reported in The Daily Montanan. “We are thankful to the Montana Supreme Court for upholding the constitution and requiring the governor and …