This bill seeks to amend existing laws regarding the exercise of eminent domain by counties and the Land Board. Specifically, it removes the authority for counties to use eminent domain for public recreational or cultural purposes and prohibits the Land Board from designating natural areas through eminent domain. Additionally, the bill explicitly prohibits the use of eminent domain for projects whose primary purpose is to establish a trail, path, or connecting trail or path.

The bill includes amendments to sections 7-16-2105, 70-30-102, and 76-12-108 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). It establishes an immediate effective date and outlines the applicability of these changes. Overall, the legislation aims to limit the scope of eminent domain in relation to recreational and cultural projects, thereby protecting private property rights in these contexts.

Statutes affected:
SB0159_1.pdf: 7-16-2105, 70-30-102, 76-12-108
Introduced: 7-16-2105, 70-30-102, 76-12-108