LC 2567 Legislature · 2025 Regular Session

Clarify water right abandonment

This bill clarifies Montana water law by protecting water rights from being considered abandoned when users reduce or stop using water due to drought or conservation programs. It directly affects landowners, farmers, and water users who must temporarily reduce water use during dry periods or participate in federal or state conservation agreements. The key provision states that nonuse during a declared drought does not count toward abandonment if the area is under a moderate drought designation or follows a local drought plan. Additionally, the bill prevents temporary water leases or changes from being used as evidence of abandonment and delays the abandonment rules for existing rights until they are legally determined. These changes aim to provide more certainty for water users facing reduced water availability without risking permanent loss of their rights.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 8, 2024 Last action Feb 18, 2025
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