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 state 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 mandates that homesteaders must build a primary residence on the land within a specified timeframe, or the property will revert to state ownership.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the department to determine the market value of the land based on comparable sales and allows for the adoption of necessary rules to implement these changes. The new legal language establishes a clear framework for the homesteading process, including the requirements for qualified homesteaders and the conditions under which the state can reclaim the property if the homesteader fails to meet their obligations. The bill is intended to be codified as part of Title 77, chapter 1, part 1 of the Montana Code.