Bill > HB496

This bill amends Montana state law to expand the state's ability to accept jurisdiction over federal lands, specifically adding military lands to the existing provision that previously only covered national park lands. Under the revised law, the governor is now explicitly authorized to accept partial or complete retrocession (transfer back) of jurisdiction from the United States for lands owned by the federal government that are used for either national park or military purposes. The bill also modifies the procedural language around how this jurisdiction transfer occurs, clarifying that when the federal government provides written notification of its desire to relinquish jurisdiction over such lands, the governor may accept the relinquishment. Once the governor accepts and approves the transfer, the retrocession becomes effective upon filing the original acceptance document with the Montana Secretary of State. These changes provide more flexibility for the state in managing federal land jurisdictions, particularly for military-related properties, and streamline the process for transferring federal land jurisdiction to state control.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2581