House Joint Resolution No. introduced by T. Millett expresses the support of the Montana Legislature for the State of Utah in its legal challenge against the federal government's policy of retaining unappropriated public lands. The resolution highlights that approximately 69% of Utah's land is federally owned, with a significant portion being unappropriated and not utilized for any specific purpose. This situation, according to Utah, undermines its sovereignty and ability to govern effectively, as it cannot tax or exercise eminent domain over these lands. The resolution asserts that the federal government's indefinite retention of these lands is unconstitutional and disrupts the balance of power between the federal government and the states.

Furthermore, the resolution states that Montana also faces similar issues, with about 30% of its land being federally owned, including unappropriated lands that hinder its statehood and representation. The Montana Legislature urges Utah to continue its legal efforts to declare the federal policy unconstitutional and supports the notion that restricting federal land ownership would help resolve conflicts related to separation of powers. The resolution calls for the Secretary of State to send copies to various state and federal officials, emphasizing the collaborative stance of Montana in solidarity with Utah's pursuit of sovereignty over its lands.