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MT HB355

Bill

Official Source

Status

Passed

5/5/2025

Primary Sponsor

Kenneth Walsh

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends Section 70-17-112, MCA to clarify that secondary easement rights (to enter, inspect, repair, and maintain) are retained when a canal or ditch is converted into a pipeline, provided the pipeline is conspicuously marked
  • Extends existing encroachment protections to pipelines that were formerly canals or ditches used for irrigation, domestic, or commercial purposes including carrying return water
  • Allows easement holders to consent in writing to encroachment or impairment of pipeline easements, matching existing provisions for canals and ditches
  • Prevailing party in legal actions to enforce these provisions is entitled to costs and reasonable attorney fees

Legislative Description

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

Water

Last Action

Chapter Number Assigned

5/14/2025

Committee Referrals

Natural Resources3/1/2025
Natural Resources1/31/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available