A Republican lawmaker and vape shop owner has announced his resignation from the Montana Legislature, alleging political favoritism toward major tobacco companies and unethical decision-making by fellow GOP members.
Rep. Ron Marshall, who has served in the Montana House of Representatives since 2021, also owns two vape shops in the state and has become a vocal critic of national tobacco giants. Marshall framed his resignation—not as an act of protest, but as a surrender after two months of “bruising battles” over vape and tobacco legislation, as the Legislature nears its midway point.
“I don’t want to swim in this swamp anymore. Why do I want to stay? I’m not a corrupt person. Why do I want to stay around a bunch of corrupt people?” Marshall told reporters on Monday. “I’m not going to play this game anymore.”
Earlier this session, Marshall sponsored House Bill 149, a proposal aimed at distinguishing regulatory frameworks for vape and tobacco products while restricting vape sales to age-restricted venues for those 21 and older. Although HB 149 passed the House Business and Labor Committee in January, it stalled for weeks before finally being scheduled for a floor vote. Marshall later attributed this delay to the influence of lobbyists from Altria and RJ Reynolds—two companies bound by the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA).
In February, he filed a lawsuit in federal district court accusing these companies of violating the MSA’s terms by lobbying against legislation that limits tobacco use among minors. However, a judge dismissed the case, ruling that only the signatories to the agreement can enforce its terms.
Undeterred, Marshall sought to rally support for HB 149 on the House floor, but the bill failed to advance on a vote of 38-62, with opposition coming from both some Republicans and nearly all Democrats.
Marshall also criticized the state’s enforcement approach regarding the MSA. “He can pick and choose winners and losers. So in this case, the state really is a loser because we’re allowing these guys to go on and do their thing,” he remarked, referring to Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
The final straw for Marshall came with the committee’s approval of House Bill 525 in late February. Sponsored by Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell, HB 525 would create a legal registry for vape products sold in Montana and bar the sale of any product not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Proponents, including Knudsen, testified that the measure would remove illicit products—particularly those from Chinese manufacturers aggressively marketed to youth—from the market. Opponents, however, argued that the bill would effectively promote vape products owned by big tobacco companies, thereby undermining small businesses.
“This bill represents regulatory capture, plain and simple,” testified Kevin Barland, co-owner of Juice City Vapor, before the House Taxation Committee. “This legislation would force many consumers back to harmful cigarettes or drive them to purchase black market products, significantly endangering public health.”
The tax committee subsequently passed HB 525 with a Democratic-proposed amendment imposing a 50% tax on the wholesale price for certain products, an amendment that passed 18-3. The bill then advanced unanimously in the committee, with a 21-0 vote.
Marshall condemned the widespread Republican support for the amendment, arguing that it ran counter to conservative values, which typically favor lower taxes and the protection of small businesses. He also lambasted Attorney General Knudsen and GOP leaders—including House Speaker Brandon Ler and Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick—for endorsing the measure.
In discussions with the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee, Marshall indicated that they would soon select a replacement for his seat. The committee’s recommendations will then be forwarded to the county commissioners for final approval. The Legislature is set to pause for a week-long transmittal break beginning this Saturday.
As Chair of the House Human Services Committee, Marshall noted that he expected Vice Chair Rep. Jodee Etchart, R-Billings, to oversee operations following his departure.
House Speaker Brandon Ler acknowledged Marshall’s resignation in a statement on Monday afternoon, adding, “Since his election, Representative Marshall has been a strong advocate for his constituents, and we appreciate his contribution to the Legislature. As we move forward, Montana House Republicans will continue serving the people of Montana and delivering on the commitments we’ve made to our constituents.”
With his resignation, Marshall’s departure marks a significant moment for the Montana Legislature as it grapples with internal conflicts and mounting pressure from tobacco industry lobbyists.
