Bill > SB472

This bill revises penalties under Montana's Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act, specifically modifying civil penalty structures for violations related to projects without proper supervisor consent or outside approved scope. The bill increases potential civil penalties from a maximum of $500 to a tiered penalty system: first violations can be up to $100,000, second violations up to $250,000, and third or subsequent violations have no maximum penalty amount. Importantly, the bill provides an explicit exemption for forest practices and timber harvest activities allowed under existing state regulations, meaning those engaged in approved forestry work would not be subject to these penalties. The bill also maintains provisions allowing conservation districts to work with violators to resolve penalty amounts before legal action and requires restoration of damaged streams as part of potential consequences. Each day of continuing violation can be considered a separate violation, and recovered money must be deposited into district funds. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval, allowing for rapid implementation of the new penalty structure.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1992