Gov. Gianforte Signs HB 701, Authorizing HEART Fund

Gov. Gianforte signed House Bill 701 which implements Montana's adult-use recreational marijuana program and authorizes the Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) Fund.

The governor released the following statement on signing HB 701:

"Since January, we've been focused on implementing the will of Montana voters in a safe, responsible, and appropriately regulated manner. House Bill 701 accomplishes this," Gov. Gianforte said. "From the start, I've been clear that we need to bring more resources to bear to combat the drug epidemic that's devastating our communities. Funding a full continuum of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for communities, the HEART Fund will offer new supports to Montanans who want to get clean, sober, and healthy."

The governor introduced the HEART Fund on his fourth day in office in his Roadmap to the Montana Comeback budget. Using marijuana tax revenues, a portion of the tobacco tax settlement, and a federal Medicaid match, the HEART Fund will invest $25 million/year to provide for a full continuum of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for communities. Community-based NGOs and non-profit groups will be eligible to receive funds from the HEART Fund.