Bill > LC0533

This bill clarifies and expands the provisions for granting easements on state lands in Montana by modifying existing statutes. The bill broadens the list of allowable purposes for easements to include more specific public uses as defined in state law, such as public trails, conservation purposes, and various infrastructure and utility needs. It updates the application requirements for easement requests, providing more flexible survey and documentation standards depending on the type of easement (such as for electrical transmission, pipelines, water authorities, or existing infrastructure). The bill also modifies the conditions under which easements can be terminated, specifically when the original purpose for which the easement was granted is no longer being fulfilled. Key changes include simplifying documentation requirements for certain types of easements, adding more specific categories of permissible easement uses, and streamlining the process for documenting existing infrastructure or access roads that were in place prior to October 1, 1997. The legislation aims to provide more clarity and flexibility in how state lands can be used for public and infrastructure purposes while maintaining appropriate oversight and documentation.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC0533