The proposed bill seeks to impose a moratorium on the transfer or lease of water rights out of Montana until January 1, 2048, establishing a fee structure of $100,000 per acre-foot for leases and $1 million per acre-foot for transfers outside the state. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to create an administrative process for evaluating water transfer applications after the moratorium ends, while emphasizing the conservation and management of water resources for the benefit of Montana's citizens and the environment. The bill also modifies existing provisions related to water leasing programs, ensuring that the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation can lease water for beneficial uses within the state while limiting out-of-state leases.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for applicants seeking to change appropriation rights, including the submission of complete applications and the payment of a $1,000 fee for significant changes involving large water volumes. It clarifies that changes in appropriation rights can occur without prior department approval under certain conditions, while also allowing for public hearings and the imposition of conditions to protect existing water rights. The legislation aims to streamline the process for changing water rights while safeguarding the interests of current water users and ensuring compliance with state laws governing water appropriation and conservation.

Statutes affected:
HB0924_1.pdf: 85-1-101, 85-2-141, 85-2-301, 85-2-311, 85-2-316, 85-2-402, 85-2-403
HB0924_2.pdf: 85-1-101, 85-2-141, 85-2-301, 85-2-311, 85-2-316, 85-2-402, 85-2-403
Amended: 85-1-101, 85-2-141, 85-2-301, 85-2-311, 85-2-316, 85-2-402, 85-2-403
Introduced: 85-1-101, 85-2-141, 85-2-301, 85-2-311, 85-2-316, 85-2-402, 85-2-403