Updated July 23, 2025
Two new laws passed by the Montana Legislature—House Bill 157 (LC1667) and House Bill 196 (LC1632)—revise the requirements for Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) training programs certified by the Montana Department of Revenue. These updates affect both the structure of training programs and the content that must be covered.
Training providers must ensure compliance by the stated effective dates.
House Bill 157 (LC1667) – Effective January 1, 2026
Link to legislation: https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC1667
HB 157 revises Section 16-4-1006, MCA. It adds language requiring the Department of Revenue to certify two classes of server and sales training programs, depending on the licensee type.
Key Points:
- The Department shall certify two types of training programs:
- One for employees of licensees that sell alcohol for off-premises consumption only
- One for employees of licensees that serve alcohol for on-premises consumption
- Training programs for off-premises licensees:
- Must meet all the statutory training requirements
- Must require no more than half the amount of time as the on-premises training
- This law does not require providers to offer both training types, but if a provider submits both, they must meet the structural requirements listed above.
- The law reaffirms that all training programs must include:
- Effects of alcohol on the body
- Penalties under Montana law
- Proper ID-checking procedures
- Handling difficult situations and intoxicated individuals
- A final test
- Certificate of completion
House Bill 196 (LC1632) – Effective October 1, 2025
Link to legislation: https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1632?open_tab=bill
HB 196 amends Sections 16-4-1006 and 16-6-305, MCA. It updates the definition of fraudulent identification and adds new content that must be included in RASS training.
Key Points:
- RASS training programs must now include instruction on:
- Procedures for checking government-certified digital identification cards
- Section 16-6-305 is amended to make it unlawful to falsify, alter, or fraudulently use a digital identification card to misrepresent age.
- Digital IDs are now officially recognized in law as a form of identification that may be presented—and misused—in alcohol sales scenarios.
Compliance Timeline
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2025 | Training must include procedures for verifying government-certified digital ID cards (HB 196). |
| January 1, 2026 | Providers may offer separate off-premises and on-premises training, if desired, with off-premises training being no more than half the length of on-premises training (HB 157). |
Summary for Training Providers
- By October 1, 2025: Update all Montana RASS training programs to include procedures for verifying government-certified digital ID cards.
- By January 1, 2026: If you choose to offer separate training programs for off-premises and on-premises licensees, ensure the off-premises version is no longer than 50% the length of the on-premises program.
- There is no mandate to create two separate programs—only that the Department of Revenue shall certify both types if submitted.
For questions about compliance or certification, contact the Montana Department of Revenue or review the full text of each law using the links provided above.
The information presented in this blog was prepared by the National Association of Hospitality Compliance Trainers (NAHCT) as a summary to assist training providers in staying informed about compliance updates. While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, NAHCT is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or misinterpretations. Each training provider is responsible for reviewing the official statutes, regulations, and guidance from the appropriate regulatory authority to ensure their curriculum is accurate and compliant.
