Senate Bill No. introduced by D. Emrich aims to make certain state-owned lands available for homesteading by requiring the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to identify suitable parcels. The bill specifies that lands eligible for homesteading must be undeveloped, have legal access, and not be designated as state parks or fishing access sites. Qualified homesteaders must be continuous residents of Montana and can apply to purchase homestead deeds for parcels no larger than 5 acres at full market value. The bill also outlines the requirements for homesteaders, including the obligation to build a primary residence on the land within a specified timeframe.

Additionally, if a homesteader fails to construct a home within the designated period, the property title will revert to the state, and the purchase price will be refunded. The Department is granted rulemaking authority to implement these provisions, and the bill includes a codification instruction to integrate the new section into existing law.