HB 8 approves specific renewable resource projects and reauthorizes others, enabling the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to provide loans for them. These loans are available to various political subdivisions and local governments for purposes such as dam rehabilitation and irrigation system improvements. To fund these projects, the bill authorizes the issuance of up to $121,198,444 in coal severance tax bonds. Loan disbursements are subject to conditions including DNRC approval of the project's scope and budget, and the execution of a loan agreement.
HB 670 proposes that public utilities transfer unused kilowatt-hour credits, generated by customers who produce their own electricity, to low-income energy assistance programs. Currently, any remaining unused credits accumulated by customer-generators over a 12-month period are granted back to the public utility without compensation. This bill amends existing law to specifically direct that these uncompensated credits must be credited to a fund established for universal low-income energy assistance, administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The public utility would receive credit for these kilowatt-hours that fund the assistance programs.
SB 46 revises the annual registration fees for owners and operators of underground petroleum or hazardous substance storage tanks. The bill increases the maximum annual fee for tanks over 1,100 gallons from $108 to $300. For tanks 1,100 gallons or less, the maximum annual fee is raised from $36 to $100. These fees help cover state and local costs associated with implementing the underground storage tank program.
HB 189 revises the eligibility requirements for reimbursement from the petroleum tank release cleanup fund. It primarily changes the date for which cleanup expenses can be reimbursed, extending it from April 13, 1989, to January 1, 1984, for certain owners and operators of petroleum storage tanks. This adjustment allows for the reimbursement of older cleanup costs for releases from eligible tanks. The bill also extends rulemaking authority related to these provisions.
SB 472 removes the previous $250,000 cap on civil penalties for repeated violations of Montana's stream protection rules (under the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act). It specifically exempts forest activities that follow state forestry rules from these penalties. The bill affects developers, loggers, or others working in stream zones who violate permit requirements, allowing penalties to grow without limit for ongoing violations. It takes immediate effect upon approval.
This bill requires hunters and anglers who lease land for hunting or fishing to pay a 10% surcharge on their annual lease payment when purchasing a Montana conservation license. The surcharge revenue must fund the state's block management program, which supports wildlife habitat conservation. Applicants must disclose lease details - including annual payment amount, duration, and partnership structure - during license application. Failure to provide this information may result in a five-year suspension of hunting and fishing privileges.
This bill amends Montana law to prevent counties from including certain "sensitive lands" requirements in growth policies for areas outside city boundaries. It directly affects counties, cities, and landowners in rural areas by restricting how local governments can regulate land use outside incorporated cities. The key change prohibits counties from imposing specific land use rules (like those for natural resources or fire safety) on rural lands within their zoning policies. The bill also revises county zoning requirements and includes a funding appropriation, amending sections 76-1-601, 76-2-203, and 76-2-212 of Montana Code Annotated.
LC 739 establishes new requirements for wind turbine generators over 500 feet tall in Montana. It mandates a minimum 1,500-foot setback from occupied residences (unless approved by the property owner) and limits rotor speed to 10% of maximum during deicing if turbines are within 2,500 feet of homes. The bill applies to new projects after January 1, 2026, directly affecting wind energy developers and nearby residential property owners. It also amends Montana's wind energy agreement law (Section 70-17-406) to include these safety and proximity standards.
This bill (LC 4294) aimed to update state laws governing aquatic invasive species, which directly affects lake and river management agencies, boaters, and businesses that transport watercraft. Its key mechanism would have revised regulations for preventing the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels through standardized inspection protocols and penalties for non-compliance. However, the bill died in the legislative process on May 20-22, 2025, and never became law. As a result, no new policy changes were enacted under this bill.
This bill establishes a state grant program to improve wildlife habitat on Montana's state lands. It allows land users (lessees/permittees), non-profits, and state agencies like the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to apply for funding. Applicants must detail projects, secure land user and agency concurrence, and align with specific existing funding accounts (upland bird habitat, wetland, and wildlife habitat improvement accounts). Projects must meet wildlife requirements tied to these accounts, and the department must report funded projects to the legislature annually.
