Committee reports HB 155 out of committee after vote on municipal licensing option

Paul LeBull, staff to Representative Foster, presented House Bill 155, which creates a local option allowing a municipality to own a package‑store license while private parties would continue to hold dispensary and restaurant licenses. LeBull said the change would be narrowly targeted and likely considered mainly by municipalities already using municipal license options.

Committee members asked about the number of communities affected; LeBull said roughly six current municipal license holders might consider the change, and he noted there are 109 local option jurisdictions in various configurations (sales banned, importation banned, etc.).

After discussion, Co‑chair Fields moved to report HB 155 out of committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes. An objection led to a roll call vote: Representatives Kerrick, Colon, Sadler, Co‑chair Fields and Co‑chair Hall voted yes; Representative Freer voted no; Representative Nelson was not present. With a 5–1 vote the motion passed and the bill was reported out of committee as amended with recommendations and fiscal notes.

The committee took no further action on HB 155 during this session.