MEDICAL MARIJUANA REPEAL BILL FAILS ON TIE VOTE IN SENATE PANEL

HELENA -- A Senate committee failed on a tie vote to endorse a bill
that would repeal Montana's medical marijuana law.

The Senate Judiciary Committee locked up 6-6 on a motion to pass House
Bill 161, by House Speaker Mike Milburn, R-Cascade, to repeal the law
passed by voters in 2004. The repeal bill passed the House earlier
this session.

Five Republicans senators, joined by Democratic Sen. Larry Jent of
Bozeman, voted in favor of HB161.

Four Democratic senators, jointed by Republican Sens. Chas Vincent of
Libby and Terry Murphy of Cardwell, opposed the bill.

After the deadlock, Murphy, who chairs the committee, appointed a
three-member subcommittee to work on a bill to tighten regulations of
medical marijuana.

Senate Majority Leader Jeff Essmann, R-Billings, will chair the panel.
Other members are Sens. Cliff Larsen, D-Missoula, and Vincent.