Bill > HJ24

This bill is a joint resolution by the Montana Legislature expressing support for Utah's legal challenge against the United States government regarding federal land ownership. The resolution highlights that the federal government owns approximately 30% of Montana's land (27 million acres) and sympathizes with Utah's claim that the federal government's indefinite retention of unappropriated public lands is unconstitutional. The bill asserts that such land retention denies states like Utah and Montana full sovereignty, prevents them from exercising powers like taxation and eminent domain, and violates the constitutional principles of state equality. Specifically, the resolution fully supports Utah's efforts to challenge the federal land policy outlined in 43 U.S.C. 1701(a)(1) and urges Utah to continue seeking a legal judgment declaring this policy unconstitutional, potentially through filing a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The bill also mandates that copies of the resolution be sent to various state and federal officials, including the President, Supreme Court, and congressional leaders, to ensure widespread communication of Montana's support for Utah's legal position.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2912