The bill amends Section 85-2-307 of the Montana Code Annotated, which pertains to the process for preliminary determinations regarding water right permits or changes in appropriation rights. Key changes include the requirement for the department to publish notice of receipt of applications on its website and to update this notice when an application is deemed correct and complete. The timeline for the department to issue a draft preliminary determination has been adjusted, allowing 60 days if the applicant has completed a preapplication meeting, or 120 days if they have not. Additionally, the bill clarifies the process for public comments on draft preliminary determinations and outlines the department's responsibilities in responding to these comments.

Significant deletions from the current law include the removal of the requirement for the department to prepare technical analyses before issuing a draft preliminary determination. The bill also introduces new language that allows the department to adopt a draft preliminary determination to deny an application and hold a hearing if necessary. Furthermore, it specifies that public comments must identify how the criteria for issuing a permit or change in appropriation right are not adequately addressed. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 85-2-307
SB0076_1(1): 85-2-307
SB0076_1(2): 85-2-307
SB0076_1(3): 85-2-307
SB0076_1(4): 85-2-307
SB0076_1(5): 85-2-307
SB0076_1(6): 85-2-307
SB0076_1(7): 85-2-307
SB0076_1(8): 85-2-307
SB0076_1(9): 85-2-307
SB0076_1: 85-2-307
SB0076_2(1): 85-2-307
SB0076_2(2): 85-2-307
SB0076_2(3): 85-2-307
SB0076_2(4): 85-2-307
SB0076_2(5): 85-2-307
SB0076_2(6): 85-2-307
SB0076_2(7): 85-2-307
SB0076_2(8): 85-2-307
SB0076_2: 85-2-307
SB0076_X(1): 85-2-307
SB0076_X(2): 85-2-307
SB0076_X(3): 85-2-307
SB0076_X(4): 85-2-307
SB0076_X(5): 85-2-307
SB0076_X(6): 85-2-307
SB0076_X(7): 85-2-307
SB0076_X(8): 85-2-307
SB0076_X: 85-2-307