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 they provide written consent to the approval of a permit or change application. Specifically, it modifies sections 85-2-311, 85-2-320, and 85-2-402 to clarify that if a water right holder consents, the department will not conduct an adverse effects analysis on that water right. This change is intended to reduce the burden on applicants and facilitate water management while still protecting existing water rights.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for temporary changes in appropriation rights, particularly for instream flow purposes, allowing applicants to waive the adverse effects requirement with written consent from affected parties. It establishes conditions for authorizing temporary changes, including the need for a streamflow measuring plan and limits on the quantity of water that can be changed. The bill also outlines the process for objections during application and renewal stages, ensuring that the rights of specific appropriators are protected. Overall, the amendments aim to balance the interests of water right holders with environmental considerations.

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