The bill amends Section 85-2-404 of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify the conditions under which a water appropriation right may be considered abandoned, particularly during periods of drought. It establishes that if an appropriator reduces or ceases the use of their water right due to drought conditions, this action does not automatically indicate an intent to abandon the right, provided certain criteria are met. Specifically, the place of diversion must be in a county experiencing at least a D1 moderate drought, and the reduction in use must comply with a local, regional, or state drought plan. Additionally, the owner of the water right is required to file a report detailing the reduction or cessation of use.

The bill also clarifies that nonuse resulting from compliance with conservation agreements or set-aside programs does not imply abandonment. It emphasizes that leasing an existing right or making temporary changes to an appropriation right does not constitute abandonment. The amendments aim to protect water rights during drought conditions while ensuring that appropriators are not penalized for necessary reductions in use.

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(10): 85-2-404
HB0580_3(11): 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
HB0580_X(1): 85-2-404
HB0580_X(10): 85-2-404
HB0580_X(2): 85-2-404
HB0580_X(3): 85-2-404
HB0580_X(4): 85-2-404
HB0580_X(5): 85-2-404
HB0580_X(6): 85-2-404
HB0580_X(7): 85-2-404
HB0580_X(8): 85-2-404
HB0580_X(9): 85-2-404
HB0580_X: 85-2-404