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 successful bidders will have their deposits applied to the first year's rental, with any remaining balance returned after the first year. It also introduces a requirement for applicants to submit bids in dollars per acre for agricultural leases issued through competitive bidding, replacing the previous requirement for a minimum annual guarantee based on crop share.

Further amendments address the terms of agricultural leases, specifying that leases issued after competitive bidding must be on a cash lease basis, with the option to renew on a crop share basis after the initial term. The bill also outlines the payment deadlines for rental fees, including penalties for late payments, and establishes procedures for notifying lessees of potential lease cancellations due to nonpayment. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the leasing process and ensure that state land agricultural leases are managed more effectively.

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