Bill > HB80

This bill modifies how agricultural leases for state lands are bid and managed, primarily changing the leasing process from a crop share basis to a cash lease-only bidding system. The bill amends three sections of Montana law to allow competitive bidding for agricultural leases to be conducted using dollar amounts per acre instead of crop share percentages. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to require bidders to submit bids in dollars per acre and issue cash leases to the successful bidder. For the first 10-year lease term, the lease will be a cash lease, after which it may be renewed on a crop share basis. The bill also updates related provisions about bid deposits, rental payment deadlines, and penalties. Key changes include modifying the bid deposit requirements, establishing new rules for competitive bidding of agricultural leases, and adjusting the payment and cancellation procedures for leases. The modifications aim to provide more clarity and potentially more flexibility in the state land agricultural leasing process, allowing for a more straightforward cash-based bidding system while maintaining protections for the state's land management interests.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0531