Montana Code Annotated
Part 1. General Provisions
16-12-129. Department to conduct background checks

16-12-129. Department to conduct background checks. (1) In addition to any other requirement imposed under this chapter, before issuing any license under this chapter the department shall conduct:
(a) a fingerprint-based background check meeting the requirements for a fingerprint-based background check by the department of justice and the federal bureau of investigation in association with an application for initial licensure and every 5 years thereafter; and
(b) a name-based background check in association with an application for initial licensure and each year thereafter except years that an applicant is required to submit fingerprints for a fingerprint-based background check.
(2) For the purpose of the background records check required under subsection (1), the department shall obtain fingerprints from each individual listed on an application submitted under this chapter and each individual who has a controlling beneficial ownership or financial interest in the license or prospective license, including:
(a) each partner of an applicant that is a limited partnership;
(b) each member of an applicant that is a limited liability company;
(c) each director and officer of an applicant that is a corporation;
(d) each individual who holds a 5% financial interest in the license applicant or is a controlling beneficial owner of the person applying for the license; and
(e) each individual who is a partner, member, director, or officer of a legal entity that holds a 5% financial interest in the license applicant or is a controlling beneficial owner of the person applying for the license.
(3) (a) Except as provided in subsection (3)(b), an employee of a marijuana business shall undergo a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.
(b) An employee of a former medical marijuana licensee in good standing with the department as of January 1, 2022, shall undergo a criminal background check within 90 days of January 1, 2022.
(4) The department may establish procedures for obtaining fingerprints for the fingerprint-based and name-based background checks required under this section.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 576, L. 2021.

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