Montana SB263 revises state ownership of water rights on state lands, prohibiting the state from obtaining ownership of certain water rights.

Montana SB263 revises state ownership of water rights on state lands by prohibiting the state from obtaining ownership of water rights diverted from wells or developed springs on private land used on state trust land or owned by lessees of state lands. The bill mandates the state to notify lessees or water right owners 180 days before submitting wells or developed springs on private land to beneficial use on state trust land for the duration of a state land lease. The lessee may remove associated stock tanks and other stock water improvements without authorization from the state.

Montana SB263 revises state ownership of water rights on state lands, prohibiting the state from obtaining ownership of certain water rights.

Montana SB263 revises state ownership of water rights on state lands by prohibiting the state from obtaining ownership of water rights diverted from wells or developed springs on private land used on state trust land or owned by lessees of state lands. The bill mandates the state to notify lessees or water right owners 180 days before submitting wells or developed springs on private land to beneficial use on state trust land for the duration of a state land lease. The lessee may remove associated stock tanks and other stock water improvements without authorization from the state.