The bill aims to amend existing laws regarding the management of minor maintenance items at certain mines in Montana. It introduces a new process whereby the director or an authorized representative can issue a minor maintenance correction letter when a minor maintenance item is identified during an inspection. This letter alerts the permittee of the necessary correction and provides them with a 30-day period to address the issue. A minor maintenance item is defined as a permit violation that does not pose an imminent danger to public health or safety and can be reasonably corrected within the specified timeframe. If the permittee fails to make the correction, the director may then issue a notice of noncompliance or an order of cessation.

Additionally, the bill amends sections 82-4-251 and 82-4-254 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the procedures for addressing violations and penalties. It allows for the waiver of penalties for minor violations that do not pose a threat to public health or safety, provided the department determines that the violation does not impair the administration of the law. The bill also includes provisions for severability and contingent voidness, ensuring that if any part of the act is invalidated, the remaining valid portions will still be in effect. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 82-4-251, 82-4-254
SB0368_1: 82-4-251, 82-4-254