Judiciary committee holds golf‑cart ordinance request after safety concerns
July 23, 2026 | Butte City , Silver Bow County, Montana
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The Butte‑Silver Bow judiciary committee on July 22 voted to hold in abeyance a petition from Melanie Watts asking the county to adopt an ordinance under MCA 61‑8‑391 to allow golf carts to operate on designated streets with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less.
The Chair said Sheriff Lester had expressed that he was “very much not in favor” of the proposal because of public‑safety risks, and several members agreed the sheriff should appear or provide a written statement. Commissioner Healy asked that the sheriff make a direct statement so the committee could ask questions; members agreed to invite the sheriff to a future judiciary meeting.
Commissioner Gerbrandt said he had spoken with Mark Winnings, owner of the local golf‑cart store, who opposed widespread street operation of carts because “a lot of the vehicles don’t have roll bars” and “many of them don’t have seat belts.” Gerbrandt said Winnings noted most carts do not exceed about 20 mph and volunteered to appear before the committee if the panel wanted his input.
Commissioner Thatcher moved to hold communication 202‑6207 in abeyance; the motion received a second and passed by voice vote. The committee did not adopt any ordinance or take a final policy vote on the request; the item is being continued so the sheriff and potentially other community stakeholders can provide comment.
Why it matters: The proposal would rely on MCA 61‑8‑391, a state vehicle statute referenced by petitioners, to permit local designation of routes where golf carts may operate. Committee members emphasized public‑safety tradeoffs, noting the mix of cart speeds and the lack of safety equipment on many models. Members said the request may have different implications for retirement communities where cart use is concentrated.
Next steps: The committee held the item pending further input from Sheriff Lester and possible testimony from local business owners. The committee adjourned after completing the meeting agenda.
The Chair said Sheriff Lester had expressed that he was “very much not in favor” of the proposal because of public‑safety risks, and several members agreed the sheriff should appear or provide a written statement. Commissioner Healy asked that the sheriff make a direct statement so the committee could ask questions; members agreed to invite the sheriff to a future judiciary meeting.
Commissioner Gerbrandt said he had spoken with Mark Winnings, owner of the local golf‑cart store, who opposed widespread street operation of carts because “a lot of the vehicles don’t have roll bars” and “many of them don’t have seat belts.” Gerbrandt said Winnings noted most carts do not exceed about 20 mph and volunteered to appear before the committee if the panel wanted his input.
Commissioner Thatcher moved to hold communication 202‑6207 in abeyance; the motion received a second and passed by voice vote. The committee did not adopt any ordinance or take a final policy vote on the request; the item is being continued so the sheriff and potentially other community stakeholders can provide comment.
Why it matters: The proposal would rely on MCA 61‑8‑391, a state vehicle statute referenced by petitioners, to permit local designation of routes where golf carts may operate. Committee members emphasized public‑safety tradeoffs, noting the mix of cart speeds and the lack of safety equipment on many models. Members said the request may have different implications for retirement communities where cart use is concentrated.
Next steps: The committee held the item pending further input from Sheriff Lester and possible testimony from local business owners. The committee adjourned after completing the meeting agenda.
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