House Bill 441 revises Montana's water laws to better align provisional water rights with final decrees and clarifies the processes for post-decree petitions regarding permits. The bill introduces new legal language that defines provisional permits as those authorized before a final decree is issued and establishes a structured process for existing water right owners to petition for changes to these permits within a specified timeframe. It mandates that the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation notify relevant parties of final decrees and petitions, ensuring transparency and participation in the decision-making process. Additionally, the bill requires the department to verify that changes in appropriation rights on provisional permits comply with any modifications or reductions made to those permits.

Furthermore, the bill allows appropriators to change their appropriation rights for replacement wells and redundant water supply wells without prior approval from the department under certain conditions, provided they file a notice within a specified timeframe. It outlines the criteria that must be met for such changes and includes provisions for processing applications for changes in appropriation rights for instream flow to benefit fishery resources. The bill also mandates that the secretary of state notify federally recognized tribal governments in Montana about its enactment, enhancing communication and collaboration with tribal entities regarding water resource management.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_1(1): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_1(2): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_1(3): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_1(4): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_1(5): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_1: 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_X(1): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_X(2): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_X(3): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_X(4): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_X(5): 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402
HB0441_X: 85-2-313, 85-2-315, 85-2-402