Bill > HB432

This bill revises Montana's water laws by creating exceptions to the standard process for changing water appropriation rights. Specifically, the bill allows water rights holders to make certain changes without prior departmental approval, such as constructing redundant water supply wells, replacing existing wells, changing points of diversion, and modifying municipal water use areas. For each type of change, the bill establishes specific criteria that must be met, such as using water from the same source aquifer, maintaining the same flow rates, and filing a notice with the state department within a specified timeframe. The bill also outlines a process for public notification and objection, allowing other water rights holders to challenge proposed changes if they believe their water rights could be adversely affected. Additionally, the bill makes several technical amendments to existing water rights statutes, including updating the jurisdiction of water judges and clarifying the procedures for temporary and permanent changes in water appropriation rights. These modifications aim to streamline the water rights change process while still protecting the interests of existing water rights holders and ensuring responsible water resource management.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1458