HB355

Clarifying that easement rights retained when canal or ditch converted to pipeline

Complete·5/5/25

Montana HB355 clarifies that easement rights are retained when a canal or ditch is converted to a pipeline.

Montana HB355 amends the law to clarify that when a canal or ditch is converted into a pipeline, the easement rights for the canal or ditch are retained. The pipeline must be conspicuously marked. The bill specifies that encroachment or impairment of the easement is prohibited unless the easement holder consents in writing. This change applies to all canal or ditch easements obtained by prescription or conveyance, but it does not establish secondary easements where none existed prior to April 14, 1981. The bill also ensures that existing contracts or agreements are not affected.

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  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

47 Yea

DRRRDDRRDDRRDDDRRRRDDRRRRDRRDRDRRRDRDRRDRRRRRDR

1 Nay

R

2 Absent

RD

Calendar

Apr 7, 2025

3:00 PM

Senate Natural Resources Hearing

Feb 7, 2025

3:00 PM

House Natural Resources Hearing

History

May 14, 2025

House

Chapter Number Assigned

May 5, 2025

House

(H) Signed by Governor

Apr 25, 2025

Senate

(S) Signed by President