Bill > SB55

This bill provides legislative intent regarding streamflow information in Montana, recognizing the critical importance of collecting and distributing accurate water data. The legislature acknowledges that improving water supply and distribution monitoring helps water managers and users better adapt to seasonal and long-term water supply challenges. The bill emphasizes that streamflow information is collected by various state, tribal, and federal agencies to support multiple important functions, including administering the Montana Water Use Act, distributing water by decree, planning municipal water supplies, and addressing irrigation, agricultural, drought, fish habitat, and water supply objectives. The legislature explicitly states its support for local, state, and federal efforts to gather timely and accurate streamflow information and recognizes the public interest in coordinating the collection and distribution of such data. The bill is intended to be codified as part of Title 85, Chapter 2, Part 1 of Montana's legal code, indicating its integration into existing water resource management statutes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0551