Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws regarding water rights that are exempt from permitting in Montana. The bill introduces the definition of "combined appropriation," which refers to the appropriation of water from the same source aquifer by two or more groundwater developments that could have been accomplished by a single appropriation. It specifies that a combined appropriation does not need to be physically connected and can include individual developed springs or wells. Additionally, the bill amends existing definitions and clarifies the conditions under which groundwater can be appropriated without a permit, particularly focusing on the limitations for appropriations outside and within controlled groundwater areas.

The bill also includes provisions for notification to tribal governments, ensuring that each federally recognized tribal government in Montana receives a copy of the act. Key amendments to Section 85-2-306 include changes to the maximum allowable appropriation rates and volumes for groundwater, particularly in relation to combined appropriations, which now require a permit if they exceed certain thresholds. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the process of water appropriation while ensuring that the rights of existing water users are protected.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_1(1): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_1(2): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_1(3): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_1(4): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_1(5): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_1(6): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_1: 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2(1): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2(2): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2(3): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2(4): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2(5): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2(6): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2(7): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2(8): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2(9): 85-2-102, 85-2-306
SB0436_2: 85-2-102, 85-2-306