Bill > HB58

This bill revises the distribution of funds for environmental remediation, primarily focusing on metal mine reclamation and water treatment sites. Specifically, the bill extends the termination date for certain funding mechanisms from 2027 to 2038 and makes changes to how funds from the Environmental Quality Protection Fund are allocated. The bill requires a new annual transfer of $500,000 through June 30, 2038, specifically for long-term maintenance and water treatment at the CR Kendall mine reclamation site. It also maintains the existing provision that 50% of certain funds continue to be dedicated to the Libby asbestos superfund site, while the other 50% goes to metal mine reclamation projects at abandoned mine sites. The bill allows for flexibility in fund transfers from the orphan share account, ensuring that critical environmental remediation efforts can continue, and provides a mechanism for monitoring and managing these specialized environmental restoration funds. The changes are part of ongoing efforts to address environmental cleanup and maintenance at specific sites in Montana, with the bill taking effect on July 1, 2025, and automatically terminating on June 30, 2038.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0540