House Bill No. 587 revises mine reclamation laws in Montana by updating key definitions and clarifying requirements for mining permits, particularly for strip-mining and underground mining operations. The bill introduces new definitions such as "material damage," which now refers to quantifiable adverse impacts on surface and groundwater that affect uses outside the permit area. It also establishes criteria for assessing damage related to alluvial valley floors and subsidence, focusing on measurable impacts on agricultural capabilities and surface land functionality. Additionally, the bill amends Section 82-4-222 to specify that the determination of probable hydrologic consequences must rely on available information, and if such information is lacking, the department will use data provided by the applicant.

The legislation grants rulemaking authority to the relevant department and includes provisions for retroactive applicability to ongoing legal actions concerning permit challenges. It also establishes a framework for contingent voidness, ensuring that if any part of the act is disapproved by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, that portion will be rendered void. The act is designed to enhance environmental protections while providing clarity for mining operations and is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_1(1): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_1(2): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_1(3): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_1(4): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_1(5): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_1: 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(1): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(10): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(11): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(12): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(2): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(3): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(4): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(5): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(6): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(7): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(8): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X(9): 82-4-203, 82-4-222
HB0587_X: 82-4-203, 82-4-222