House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to clarify the laws surrounding the abandonment of water rights in Montana, particularly in the context of drought conditions. The bill amends Section 85-2-404 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to specify that a reduction in the use or nonuse of an appropriation right during a drought does not automatically indicate an intent to abandon that right. Specifically, it states that if the place of diversion is in a county experiencing moderate drought or worse, and the reduction in use complies with a local, regional, or state drought plan, it will not be considered abandonment. Additionally, water right owners who reduce or cease use must file a report with the Department by December 30 of the year in which the change occurred.

The bill also maintains that existing rights are not subject to abandonment claims until they have been conclusively determined, and it clarifies that leasing or temporarily changing an appropriation right does not constitute abandonment. These amendments aim to protect water rights holders during periods of drought while ensuring compliance with established drought management plans.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 85-2-404
HB0580_1(1): 85-2-404
HB0580_1(2): 85-2-404
HB0580_1(3): 85-2-404
HB0580_1(4): 85-2-404
HB0580_1(5): 85-2-404
HB0580_1: 85-2-404
HB0580_2(1): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(10): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(11): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(12): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(13): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(2): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(3): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(4): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(5): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(6): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(7): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(8): 85-2-404
HB0580_2(9): 85-2-404
HB0580_2: 85-2-404
HB0580_3(1): 85-2-404
HB0580_3(2): 85-2-404
HB0580_3(3): 85-2-404
HB0580_3(4): 85-2-404
HB0580_3(5): 85-2-404
HB0580_3(6): 85-2-404
HB0580_3(7): 85-2-404
HB0580_3(8): 85-2-404
HB0580_3(9): 85-2-404
HB0580_3: 85-2-404