Montana would study water permits and recommend improvements for users

Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation would study water rights permits and recommend improvements. The department would consult varied water users and other affected groups, review permits and changes to water rights, and identify missing water data. The review would seek improvements while protecting people whose earlier water rights give them priority. The proposal would take effect on passage and approval. Progress reports would accompany each committee meeting during 2027–2028. Study work would finish before July 1, 2028, with findings due September 15, 2028. These duties would end January 1, 2029.

The proposal would set aside $50,000 for the department’s study. The funding would go to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The money would come from the state’s general fund and pay costs associated with the study. The funding would cover the two-year budget period beginning July 1, 2027.