This bill, requested by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, aims to revise the application process and the department's consideration of permits or changes in appropriation rights related to water. It includes updates to the timelines for processing applications for water rights and changes to existing rights, as well as modifications to the notice requirements. The bill introduces provisions for preliminary determinations of water right applications, establishes a public comment period, and revises the objections process and department hearings.

Additionally, the bill extends the rulemaking authority of the department and includes an appropriation to support these changes. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 85-2-302, 85-2-307, 85-2-308, 85-2-310, and 85-2-401, to reflect these updates. The bill also outlines effective dates and a termination date for the new provisions.

Statutes affected:
HB0114_1.pdf: 85-2-302, 85-2-307, 85-2-308, 85-2-310, 85-2-401
HB0114_2.pdf: 85-2-302, 85-2-307, 85-2-308, 85-2-310, 85-2-401
Amended: 85-2-302, 85-2-307, 85-2-308, 85-2-310, 85-2-401
Introduced: 85-2-302, 85-2-307, 85-2-308, 85-2-310, 85-2-401