Western Petroleum Marketers Association - WPMA

This is a final report on the 62nd Legislative Session that adjourned on April 30th; a week later than originally scheduled. Many bills have been in 'flux' either awaiting the Governor's signature, a veto or, the Governor allowing them to become law. While there are still a couple bills of interest that were vetoed but are now going through the process of a veto override, the fate of a majority of the business bills of interest has now been determined.
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Week Six: I'm sure you've heard or read in the media, medical marijuana bills are advancing including House Bill 161 which would repeal the entire act. The Association has supported House Bill 43 which clarifies the legal standings of businesses regarding the dismissal of employees in a medical marijuana situation; this bill has passed the House and will be heard in the Senate after transmittal break which is the week of February 21st.
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Week Four: Last week the House Human Services Committee heard the Montana Chamber's bill to strengthen employer rights in situations involving employee's use of medical marijuana. The Association supported HB43, that would make it clear that employers have the right to dismiss employees who come to work impaired. The committee has not yet taken action on the bill so there is still time to contact your legislator on this issue.
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Week Three: Well, you of course saw all the news regarding the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee....yes, it is Senator Shockley who had introduced the ethanol labeling bill. (He has since pulled that bill out of consideration). On Friday a medical marijuana bill created most of the excitement; this bill would regulate the drug similar to how alcohol is regulated putting it under the control of the Department of Revenue. They didn't look too happy about that possibility. While we're on the subject; the Chamber's bill, House Bill 43 by Gary MacLaren/Victor, will be heard Monday the 24th in the Health Human Services Committee. A few of you sent details about an experience you've had as an employer with MM; we will be supporting the bill. I sent details about the content of the bill last report but if you have questions, please send me a message.
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Committees began hearing bills the second week of the Session with both parties putting forth their objectives for the next 85 days; the real work begins now. The issue spotlight for this report is medical marijuana reform. Over the past year and a half the number of people in Montana with medical marijuana cards has grown from a few thousand to almost 28,000. That's almost 3% of the population that is now "legally" using the cannabis. Consequently, more businesses are finding out about employees who are now using the drug and concerns are growing within the business community. The medical marijuana law was passed by 62% of voters in 2004 however, it's clear that a majority of the public may have buyer's remorse regarding their decision to approve medical marijuana. The Montana Chamber formed a work group to develop ideas to firm up employer rights for medical marijuana situations in the workplace.
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As has been reported in the local Medias, the first week of the 62nd Legislative Session was mostly spent in education for new and seasoned legislators; budget and appropriations of the State coffers, law review and protocol for conducting business. The House and Senate committees that will address the many bills that will be presented also met to organize and set forth rules for their individual endeavors. Those committees will begin meeting this week and you can find a schedule on the Legislature's website http://leg.mt.gov/css/.
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