Bill > HB775

This bill repeals the sunset date (expiration provision) for laws related to judicial review of water rights, specifically removing Section 6 from Chapter 126 of the 2017 Laws. By eliminating this sunset provision, the bill ensures that the Water Court maintains its authority to review certain decisions made by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The legislation clarifies the Water Court's duties and takes effect immediately upon passage and approval. In practical terms, this means the Water Court will continue to have the power to judicially review and potentially modify water rights decisions, which is crucial in a state like Montana where water resources are critically important for agriculture, industry, and environmental management. The bill aims to provide continuity and stability in the state's water rights adjudication process by preventing the automatic expiration of existing judicial review mechanisms.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3726