The bill revises the purposes for which public use easements may be granted on state land in Montana. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 77-2-101, 77-2-102, and 77-2-105. Key insertions include the addition of "public trails" and a broader definition of "public uses" as described in 70-30-102. The bill also clarifies that easements can be granted for various public uses, including schoolhouse sites, public parks, community buildings, cemeteries, and conservation purposes. Notably, it removes specific references to certain nonprofit corporations and easements for other public uses, streamlining the criteria for granting easements.

Additionally, the bill outlines the application process for obtaining easements, including requirements for surveys and documentation. It allows for waivers of survey requirements under certain conditions and specifies the necessary information for applications related to private access roads, county roads, and existing public utility infrastructure. The bill also establishes that easements will terminate if the lands cease to be used for the specified purposes, with notice provided to the grant recipient. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 77-2-101, 77-2-102, 77-2-105
HB0299_1(1): 77-2-101, 77-2-102, 77-2-105
HB0299_1(2): 77-2-101, 77-2-102, 77-2-105
HB0299_1: 77-2-101, 77-2-102, 77-2-105