The bill establishes the legislative intent to enhance the collection and distribution of streamflow information in Montana, recognizing its importance for water management and planning. It acknowledges that the 2015 state water plan emphasizes the need for improved monitoring networks to address seasonal and long-term water supply and demand imbalances, particularly in the context of climate variability. The legislature expresses support for local, state, and federal initiatives aimed at gathering timely and accurate streamflow data, which is essential for the administration of the Montana Water Use Act and for various water-related planning and management efforts.

Additionally, the bill highlights the critical role of streamflow information collected by various state, tribal, and federal entities in supporting water distribution, irrigation, agricultural uses, and addressing local water supply objectives. It emphasizes the public interest in fostering coordination among these entities to enhance the effectiveness of streamflow data collection and distribution. The provisions of this bill are intended to be codified as part of Title 85, chapter 2, part 1 of Montana law.