Bill > HB580

This bill clarifies Montana's water right abandonment laws by modifying existing statutes to protect water rights holders during drought conditions. Specifically, the bill introduces provisions that prevent water rights from being considered abandoned if an appropriator reduces or ceases water use during periods of moderate drought or worse (designated as D1 or more severe by the U.S. Drought Monitor). To qualify for this protection, the reduction in water use must be part of a local, regional, or state drought plan that includes specific metrics for voluntary water use reduction. Water rights holders must file a report with the department by December 30 of the year in which their water use was reduced. The bill also maintains existing protections that prevent water right reductions under conservation agreements or set-aside programs from being considered abandonment. This legislation aims to provide more flexibility for water rights holders during challenging drought conditions while maintaining a formal documentation process to track water use changes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2567