LC 1454 Legislature · 2025 Regular Session

Provide for water division court, judges

This bill establishes a dedicated Water Division Court in Montana to handle water rights disputes, directly affecting water users, districts, and irrigation systems. It creates a formal court structure with judges appointed by the governor (replacing current processes), clarifies jurisdiction for water rights enforcement, and revises procedures for complaints by dissatisfied water users. Key provisions include defining court authority over water distribution supervision, streamlining judicial review for permit decisions under Title 85, and amending 25+ Montana Code sections related to water courts and commissioners. The bill aims to create a more consistent, specialized system for resolving water rights conflicts across the state.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Nov 16, 2024 Last action Mar 25, 2025
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