Senate Bill 257 revises the permit laws for the Smith River waterway. It increases the cost for nonresidents to purchase a bonus point for the Smith River permit lottery from $50 to $125. This change directly affects nonresidents applying for permits to float and camp on the Smith River. The additional revenue generated from these bonus points will be deposited into the Smith River corridor enhancement account, which funds projects to protect and improve the river's natural beauty, recreational values, fisheries, and wildlife habitat.
HB 676 proposes revisions to state laws governing land and water rights. It would eliminate the Water Court's duty to complete water rights adjudication by July 1, 2030, and repeals several related statutes. The bill also prohibits the Board of Land Commissioners from acquiring private water rights for state lands. Additionally, it requires the state to sell isolated land parcels with water rights to their current lessees, impacting water rights holders, the Water Court, and state land management.
HB 580 clarifies Montana's water right abandonment laws, directly affecting individuals and entities holding water rights. The bill specifies that reducing or ceasing the use of a water right during a drought does not automatically signify an intent to abandon that right. This protection applies if the area is experiencing a moderate (D1) or worse drought, or if the nonuse aligns with an official drought plan. The legislation aims to prevent water rights from being lost solely due to conservation efforts during dry periods.
SB 46 revises the annual registration fees for owners and operators of underground petroleum or hazardous substance storage tanks. The bill increases the maximum annual fee for tanks over 1,100 gallons from $108 to $300. For tanks 1,100 gallons or less, the maximum annual fee is raised from $36 to $100. These fees help cover state and local costs associated with implementing the underground storage tank program.
House Bill 411 (HB 411) exempts agricultural property from local property tax levies that are used to fund open space initiatives. This means that owners of land classified as agricultural will no longer be required to pay the portion of their property taxes designated for open space purposes. The bill also allows counties to reduce any open space payments made to agricultural properties that are now exempt from these levies. This change applies retroactively to property tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
House Bill 808 establishes the Montana Brownfields Revitalization Act, creating a program to encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of "brownfield sites" across the state. These are properties where hazardous substances or petroleum contamination may hinder their reuse or expansion. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for brownfield funding, allowing entities like local governments and non-profits to use federal funds for environmental assessment and remediation when no viable responsible party for the contamination exists. This aims to prepare properties for redevelopment, reduce environmental threats, and return them to productive use. The act also eliminates and replaces previous Montana Petroleum Brownfields Revitalization Act provisions.
SB 168 revises laws regarding lakeshore protection, primarily affecting property owners and contractors with structures in lakeshore protection zones. The bill establishes a 3-year statute of limitations for legal actions against these parties for violating lakeshore regulations, starting from construction completion or permit issuance for clearly visible structures. This limitation does not apply if the structure causes documented harm to the lakeshore, interferes with navigation, or creates a public nuisance. Additionally, the bill exempts minor ongoing maintenance, remodeling, or modifications (changes under $10,000 over five years) from future permitting requirements, unless they involve significant environmental impact or interfere with navigation.
SB 262 exempts certain water and sewer system plans, along with specific subdivision applications, from environmental review requirements. The bill removes the obligation for the state department to conduct environmental reviews for water or sewer system plans. Additionally, it removes the requirement for local governments and independent reviewers to comply with the Montana Environmental Policy Act when reviewing small public water and sewer systems or subdivisions connecting to existing municipal systems. This change aims to streamline the approval process for these types of projects.
This joint resolution requests an interim study on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their impact on water quality in Montana. The study, to be conducted by a legislative committee or staff, will review existing state and federal water quality laws and analyze research on the health effects of EDCs. It also aims to determine the prevalence of these chemicals in Montana. The study will offer recommendations for future legislative or regulatory changes, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HB 270 revises the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) by modifying requirements for environmental reviews conducted by state agencies. The bill clarifies that MEPA is procedural and not intended to provide regulatory authority beyond existing statutes. It updates the criteria for analyzing alternatives in environmental impact statements, requiring them to be technologically achievable and economically feasible for similar projects. Furthermore, the bill mandates that agencies consider regulatory impacts on private property rights and analyze alternatives that reduce or eliminate such regulations. For non-state-sponsored projects, alternative recommendations are not binding on the project sponsor.
