The bill modifies the regulations surrounding cash basis competitive bidding for state land agricultural leases in Montana. Key amendments include changes to the bid deposit requirements, where the previous stipulation for bids made on a crop share basis has been removed. Instead, bidders must now submit a deposit equal to 100% of the annual rental bid for grazing land and $20 per acre for agricultural land. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if a bid is found to be frivolous or made in bad faith, the deposit will be forfeited, and the department must notify the bidder of the reasons for forfeiture.

Further amendments specify that agricultural leases, except for renewals and those with substantial improvements, must be based on a crop share rental of at least one-fourth of the annual crops or the usual landlord's share. The bill also introduces a requirement for bids to be submitted in dollars per acre for leases issued through competitive bidding, with successful bidders receiving cash leases. Lastly, it establishes new deadlines and penalties for rental payments, including a $25 penalty for late payments and the potential cancellation of leases if payments are not made by specified deadlines.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_1(1): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_1(2): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_1(3): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_1(4): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_1(5): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_1(6): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_1(7): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_1: 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_2(1): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_2(2): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_2(3): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_2(4): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_2(5): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_2(6): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_2: 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_X(1): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_X(2): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_X(3): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_X(4): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_X(5): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_X(6): 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506
HB0080_X: 77-6-203, 77-6-501, 77-6-506