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 outlined in the amended sections.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the department must review existing state water reservations every ten years to ensure compliance with their objectives. It allows for the extension, modification, or revocation of reservations based on the department's findings, while also ensuring that any undeveloped water resulting from such actions is available for appropriation by others. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining public interest and water conservation in Montana, particularly when considering out-of-state water use applications. The act is effective immediately upon passage and approval.

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(10): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(11): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(12): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(13): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(14): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X(15): 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(9): 85-2-316, 85-2-331
SB0357_X: 85-2-316, 85-2-331