Breakdown of New Vaping Law Now Taking Effect in MT

BUTTE, MT - In 2005, Montana made a bold move: it banned smoking in all indoor public spaces and workplaces.

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Back then, restaurants and bars scrambled to adapt.

Now, nearly two decades later, businesses will have to pivot once again—because “smoke-free” in Montana now officially means vape-free, too.

That’s right. As of this summer, vaping indoors is now illegal across Montana, thanks to a new law that could change the way we breathe in public for good.

A Major Shift in Public Health Policy

The change comes courtesy of Senate Bill 390, introduced by Sen. Willis Curdy (D-Missoula), which adds electronic smoking devices like vapes and e-cigarettes to the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act.

The bill passed through the Legislature with strong bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte in May.

Unlike many new laws, this one came with an immediate effective date—meaning the new rules are already in place and being enforced.

So if you’re puffing on a vape pen inside your favorite coffee shop, gym, or grocery store—you’re breaking the law.

Why the Crackdown on Vaping?

Supporters of the new law say it’s long overdue.

According to Jackie Semmens, the state government relations director for the American Heart Association, the goal is to address the growing concern over youth vaping—and the public’s misconception that vaping is a “safe” alternative to smoking.

The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the Montana Office of Public Instruction backs her up: a staggering 45% of Montana high schoolers reported having used a vaping product.

What Happens If You Break the Rules?

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is already enforcing the law.

If a business is caught allowing indoor vaping, they’ll first receive an educational letter—a warning shot, if you will—before any penalties are issued.

That’s right: no immediate fines (for now), but don’t count on leniency forever.

About ten city and county governments in Montana had already implemented their own indoor vaping bans before this law passed, but now the policy is statewide and uniform.

Déjà Vu for Montana Businesses

This isn’t the first time Montana business owners have had to make sweeping changes for public health. Back in 2005, many balked at removing ashtrays and enforcing a no-smoking policy. Now, Semmens believes the same pattern will repeat—but with similar positive results.

“At the time, smoking was so normal that people couldn't really realize the benefits of having smoke-free restaurants, smoke-free bars,” she said. “Now, I think most of us can't imagine going back into a restaurant that smelled like cigarette smoke.”

The bottom line? If you’re a business owner, it’s time to update your signage—and your staff. And if you’re a vaper? Better take it outside. Montana’s air just got a little cleaner.