House Bill 534 amends the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to enable eligible county water and/or sewer districts to connect to water or wastewater systems beyond their rated capacity, contingent upon having an approved development plan. The bill expands the definition of "eligible county water and/or sewer district" to include those incorporated under specific statutes, compliant with discharge permitting requirements, and employing a professional engineer. Key provisions allow these districts to exceed their rated capacity if they meet health and environmental standards, and they are required to submit annual compliance reports. The bill also establishes criteria for the revocation of development plans if conditions change or requirements are violated.

Furthermore, the legislation introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding the roles of governing bodies, public utilities, and other relevant entities. It outlines security requirements for public improvements within subdivisions, allowing subdividers to provide bonds or other security instead of completing improvements prior to final plat approval. The governing body is granted the authority to approve incremental payment plans, ensuring that adequate municipal or eligible county facilities are in place before subdivision approvals. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the flexibility and regulatory framework governing water and sewer services in Montana while prioritizing public health and safety.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_1(1): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_1(2): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_1(3): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_1(4): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_1(5): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_1: 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_X(1): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_X(2): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_X(3): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_X(4): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_X(5): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_X(6): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_X(7): 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101
HB0534_X: 75-6-102, 75-6-104, 75-6-130, 76-3-103, 76-3-507, 76-4-102, 76-4-120, 76-8-101