Montana HB580 clarifies water right abandonment laws to protect rights during droughts.
Montana HB580 amends water right abandonment laws to ensure that a reduction in use or nonuse of an appropriation right during droughts does not automatically constitute abandonment. The bill specifies that nonuse does not represent abandonment if it occurs due to a conservation set-aside program, drought conditions, or compliance with a drought plan. It also clarifies that temporary changes in appropriation rights or leases do not create a presumption of abandonment. The changes apply to existing rights once they are finally determined.
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- Overview
- Core Provisions
- Implementation
- Impact
- Legal Framework
- Critical Issues
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