MT HB704

Establishes temporary legislative controlled ground water closure areas in four Montana valleys (Gallatin, Helena, Bitterroot, and Missoula), requiring permits for most ground water appropriation pending groundwater studies, with limited exceptions for single living units, stockwater, and certain pre-approved subdivisions up to 0.5 acre-feet per year

Designates Flathead Valley and Billings terrace aquifers as legislative controlled ground water monitoring areas requiring metering and annual reporting of all new water rights, with biennial department review to assess status changes

Creates four categories of controlled ground water areas: public health/safety/welfare (permanent), temporary public health/safety/welfare, water quantity, and ground water monitoring for quantity, each with specific designation criteria and control provisions

Revises permit exceptions to eliminate stream depletion zone distinctions, caps permit-exempt appropriations on subdivided land at 0.5 acre-feet per parcel (1 acre-foot max for parcels under 20 acres, 3 acre-feet for larger parcels), with cumulative limits of 24 acre-feet per tract of record across no more than 24 parcels

Takes effect immediately upon passage and approval, with temporary legislative closure provisions terminating January 1, 2032