MT HB432

Allows appropriators to change water rights without prior department approval for redundant public water supply wells, replacement wells (within 200 feet of original, same aquifer, equal or lesser flow), and replacement surface water diversion points when the original is inoperable due to natural causes or deteriorated infrastructure

Permits municipalities and county water/sewer districts to change place of use for unperfected municipal water permits or reservations without prior approval if within adopted land use plan boundaries and water is being measured

Authorizes changes to stock watering systems (adding, moving, or removing stock tanks) without prior approval if flow rates do not exceed 35 gallons per minute and historical stock animal units are not exceeded

Requires appropriators to file notice of changes with the department within 60 days of completion (180 days for municipal use changes), with the department having 90 days to review and either authorize or require a full change application

Establishes a 45-day public objection period after authorization for replacement points of diversion, municipal use changes, and stock tank changes, with contested case hearings held if valid objections are filed