This bill mandates the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to publish a biennial river-use report detailing the number and purpose of all watercraft on specified river stretches during the summer months. The report will include data on various types of watercraft, such as private canoes, kayaks, and commercial vessels, and is to be published by October 1 of even-numbered years. Additionally, the bill allows funds from the state park account to be allocated for the production of this report and provides an appropriation of $2,600,000 for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, specifically for the purposes outlined in the report.

The bill also amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 23-1-105 and 87-1-201, to incorporate these new requirements and funding provisions. It establishes an immediate effective date upon passage and approval, with a termination date set for October 2, 2028. The changes aim to enhance the management and oversight of river use in Montana, ensuring that data is collected and reported systematically to inform future policies and conservation efforts.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-201
HB0762_1(1): 87-1-201
HB0762_1(2): 87-1-201
HB0762_1(3): 87-1-201
HB0762_1(4): 87-1-201
HB0762_1(5): 87-1-201
HB0762_1(6): 87-1-201
HB0762_1: 87-1-201
HB0762_2(1): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(10): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(11): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(12): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(13): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(2): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(3): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(4): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(5): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(6): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(7): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(8): 87-1-201
HB0762_2(9): 87-1-201
HB0762_2: 87-1-201
HB0762_3(1): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(10): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(11): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(12): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(2): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(3): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(4): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(5): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(6): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(7): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(8): 87-1-201
HB0762_3(9): 87-1-201
HB0762_3: 87-1-201
HB0762_X(1): 23-1-105, 87-1-201
HB0762_X(2): 23-1-105, 87-1-201
HB0762_X(3): 23-1-105, 87-1-201
HB0762_X(4): 23-1-105, 87-1-201
HB0762_X(5): 23-1-105, 87-1-201
HB0762_X(6): 23-1-105, 87-1-201
HB0762_X(7): 23-1-105, 87-1-201
HB0762_X: 23-1-105, 87-1-201