A bill winding its way through the state Legislature that would allow beer and wine to be sold to the general public at college athletics events across Montana is inching closer to becoming law.
Senate Bill 247, which would revise alcohol laws at universities and postsecondary institutions, passed a second reading 41-9, but still needs a third reading in both houses before it can be passed along to Gov. Greg Gianforte s desk to be signed, perhaps as soon as April.
A companion bill, SB 248, which would allow student-athletes to be compensated for usage of their name, image and likeness, also passed a second reading in the Senate 43-7. Both bills are sponsored by Sen. Ellie Boldman, D-Missoula, and have received wide bipartisan support. They re set for a third reading on Saturday.