The bill proposes the elimination of the Scenic-Historic Byways Advisory Council and amends Sections 60-2-601 and 60-2-602 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Specifically, it removes the requirement for an advisory council that was previously responsible for assisting the commission in designing the scenic-historic byways program, reviewing road nominations, and making recommendations for inclusion or deletion of roads from the program. The commission will now have the authority to designate roads for the program without the advisory council's input, although it must still seek concurrence from local governments and maintenance agencies.

Additionally, the bill allows the department, under the direction of the commission, to expend any funds appropriated for the scenic-historic byways program. The amendments also clarify that the commission and department will work together to develop criteria for road designation, addressing factors such as local participation, economic development, and preservation of resources. The bill emphasizes local control by allowing municipalities and landowners to exclude roads from designation and ensures that private property rights are protected in the process.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_1(1): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_1(2): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_1(3): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_1(4): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_1: 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_2: 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_X(1): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_X(2): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_X(3): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_X(4): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_X(5): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_X(6): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_X(7): 60-2-601, 60-2-602
SB0309_X: 60-2-601, 60-2-602