House Bill 441 revises Montana's water laws to ensure that provisional water rights are aligned 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 and establishes a structured process for existing water right owners to petition for changes to these permits. It mandates that the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation notify water right owners within 60 days of a final decree, allowing them to petition for modifications. Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for filing petitions, including the need for complete applications and the department's responsibilities in reviewing them.

The legislation also amends procedures for issuing certificates of water rights and changes in appropriation rights, emphasizing the need for the department to verify that appropriations comply with permit terms. It allows appropriators to change their appropriation rights for replacement and redundant water supply wells without prior approval under certain conditions, provided they file a notice of the changes. The bill establishes criteria for these changes and a process for addressing objections from other water right holders. Furthermore, it mandates that a copy of the act be sent to each federally recognized tribal government in Montana, reinforcing the importance of stakeholder engagement in water rights 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