Bill > HB699

This bill revises Montana's laws regarding the independent review panel for metal mine tailings storage facilities, making several key changes to how these panels are formed, operate, and report their findings. The bill expands the definition of who can serve on an independent review panel to include not just licensed engineers, but also recognized subject matter experts in technical disciplines related to tailings storage facility design, construction, operation, and closure. The panel selection process is modified to require at least three independent review panel members, with a majority being licensed engineers, and panel members are now explicitly protected from individual liability for actions taken in their official capacity. The bill also changes the panel's review and reporting requirements, mandating that panel members prepare a signed written report after reviewing a design document, which can include recommended modifications. For facility expansions, the bill encourages operators to make a reasonable effort to retain previous panel members. Additionally, the bill establishes new requirements for periodic panel reviews, including mandatory panel assemblies at specific stages of a tailings storage facility's lifecycle - 6 months before initial construction, annually during construction, and at least every 5 years after initial construction. The panel is now required to conduct comprehensive reviews, prepare detailed reports, and work with operators to develop and implement corrective action plans if issues are identified.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3135