SB76

Montana SB76 revises procedures for preliminary determinations on water right permits and changes in appropriations.

Montana SB76 amends the process for preliminary determinations on water right permits and changes in appropriations. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to publish notice of receipt of applications and draft preliminary determinations on its website. It mandates public notice in a local newspaper and by mail to affected parties. The department must consider public comments before issuing a final preliminary determination. If the department proposes to deny an application, it must hold a hearing.