The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to streamline the water rights permitting process by allowing water right holders to waive the requirement for an adverse effects analysis when applying for permits or changes in appropriation rights. Specifically, it introduces provisions stating that if a water right holder files a written consent to the approval of an application, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will not conduct an adverse effects analysis on that water right. This change is reflected in the amendments to sections 85-2-311, 85-2-320, and 85-2-402, which clarify that the department must respect existing water rights and issued certificates while processing applications.

Additionally, the bill modifies the criteria for issuing permits and changing appropriation rights, emphasizing that the department may not consider adverse effects on any water right listed in a written consent to approval. It also allows for changes in appropriation rights without prior approval under certain conditions, such as for replacement wells, and introduces a new clause regarding temporary changes in appropriation rights. The bill aims to balance efficient water resource management with the rights of existing water users and environmental considerations, particularly for instream flow purposes, by facilitating temporary changes while ensuring that the interests of water right holders are protected.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_1(1): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_1(2): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_1(3): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_1(4): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_1(5): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_1(6): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_1: 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_2: 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_X(1): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_X(2): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_X(3): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_X(4): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_X(5): 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408
SB0190_X: 85-2-311, 85-2-320, 85-2-360, 85-2-402, 85-2-407, 85-2-408