Bill > SB309

This bill eliminates the Scenic-Historic Byways Advisory Council, effectively removing the existing requirement for a technical oversight council that previously advised the Montana Department of Transportation on scenic-historic byways. The bill removes provisions related to the council's composition, which previously included up to 11 members with expertise in areas like tourism, history, and economic development. Instead, the bill transfers the council's responsibilities directly to the transportation commission and department. The bill maintains the existing scenic-historic byways program, allowing the commission to continue designating roads for the program, but removes the intermediary advisory council. The legislation preserves key program elements such as requiring local government concurrence for road designations, maintaining rules for road selection, and ensuring considerations like economic development, preservation of resources, and protection of private property rights. The changes streamline the program's administration by eliminating the advisory council while keeping the core framework of the scenic-historic byways program intact.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2472