The bill amends Sections 85-2-316 and 85-2-331 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to extend the deadline for the perfection of certain water reservations above Fort Peck Dam. Specifically, it extends the duration of the reservations granted to municipalities and conservation districts established by a final order issued on July 1, 1992, until those reservations are perfected or revoked. Additionally, the bill provides the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation with rulemaking authority to determine the correctness and completeness of applications for state water reservations, ensuring that the process aligns with the provisions of the law.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the department to review existing state water reservations every ten years and allows for modifications or extensions of reservations if the objectives are not being met. It also mandates that the department provide technical and financial assistance to state agencies and political subdivisions applying for water reservations within the Missouri River and Little Missouri River basins. The act is effective immediately upon passage and approval, and a copy will be sent to each federally recognized tribal government in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_1(1): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_1(2): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_1(3): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_1(4): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_1(5): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_1: 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(1): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(10): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(2): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(3): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(4): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(5): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(6): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(7): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(8): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2(9): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_2: 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(1): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(2): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(3): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(4): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(5): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(6): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(7): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(8): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X: 85-2-316, 85-2-331