The bill, titled "An Act Providing Policy Considerations for Measuring Streamflow," establishes key policy considerations regarding the measurement and monitoring of streamflow in Montana. It emphasizes that all water resources within the state are owned by the state and are subject to appropriation for beneficial uses. The bill outlines that the legal appropriation of water necessitates that it be both legally and physically available, and it highlights the importance of accurate, real-time streamflow measurement for effective water management and distribution.
Additionally, the bill includes a codification instruction indicating that the provisions outlined in Section 1 are intended to be integrated into Title 85, chapter 2, part 1 of Montana law. This integration aims to ensure that the principles of streamflow measurement are formally recognized within the state's legal framework, thereby supporting the management of water resources in a manner that protects existing water rights while accommodating new demands.