MT HB886

Establishes a unified Water Division Court as a court of record with 2-4 water division judges appointed by the governor from nominees submitted by the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, with 6-year terms

Transfers jurisdiction over water rights adjudication, enforcement, distribution supervision, and water commissioner appointments from district courts to the Water Division Court, which covers Montana's four water divisions (Upper Missouri, Lower Missouri, Yellowstone, and Clark Fork basins)

Creates a water division court administrator position to maintain records and accept filings, with a filing fee capped at $25 deposited into the water adjudication account

Provides that water division judges receive the same salary as district court judges and requires appeals from the Water Division Court to go directly to the Montana Supreme Court

Repeals existing statutes on water judge designation and related provisions, with an effective date of January 1, 2026, and requires notification to federally recognized tribal governments in Montana