The bill amends sections 82-4-206 and 82-4-231 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to enhance the application and permitting process for strip and underground mining. Key provisions include allowing individuals who submit comments or objections during the application process to request a contested case hearing. Additionally, if a cumulative hydrologic impact assessment is required, the department must publish a draft of that assessment alongside its determination. The timeline for the department to prepare written findings on permit applications has been extended from 45 to 60 days, ensuring a more thorough review process.

Moreover, the bill introduces a contingent voidness clause, which states that if any provision is disapproved by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, that specific portion will be void. It also includes a saving clause to protect rights and duties that matured before the act's effective date. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, reflecting the urgency to update mining regulations to better safeguard environmental and public interests.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_1(1): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_1(2): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_1(3): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_1(4): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_1(5): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_1(6): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_1(7): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_1(8): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_1: 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_2(1): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_2(2): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_2(3): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_2(4): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_2(5): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_2(6): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_2: 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(1): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(10): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(11): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(12): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(13): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(14): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(2): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(3): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(4): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(5): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(6): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(7): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(8): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X(9): 82-4-206, 82-4-231
HB0633_X: 82-4-206, 82-4-231