Staff recommends Council conduct a public hearing and approve first reading of the Ordinance amending Sections 7-2024, 7-2034, 7-2043, 7-2052, 7-2058, and 7-2063, BMCC, to change the minimum age requirements for employees of marijuana businesses.

Council passed Ordinance 21-5785 on third reading on November 22, 2021, establishing regulations for marijuana businesses within City limits.  This ordinance became effective 30 days later on December 22, 2021.  This ordinance was codified in Billings, Montana City Code (BMCC) at Article 7-2000. As part of these regulations, marijuana businesses are only permitted to hire employees that are 21 years of age or older.  However, state law permits marijuana businesses to employ persons that are 18 years of age or older.  Therefore, staff recommends Council amend the relevant sections to permit marijuana businesses within the city limits to employ persons 18 years of age or older, similar to what is permitted under state law.

There are six categories of marijuana businesses identified under state law and BMCC Article 7-2000 addresses all six categories.  Therefore, there are six sections within BMCC that need to be amended.     

City Council may:

• Approve; or,
• Not Approve

N/A

Staff recommends Council amend the marijuana regulations to allow marijuana businesses within Billings to employ persons 18 years of age or older.  This amendment will then mirror the age requirements set forth in state law.