MT HJ24

Montana Legislature expresses support for Utah's legal challenge arguing that perpetual federal retention of unappropriated public lands under 43 U.S.C. 1701(a)(1) is unconstitutional

Federal government owns approximately 30% of Montana (27 million of 93 million acres), with roughly 8 million acres classified as unappropriated land

Utah filed a motion with the U.S. Supreme Court on August 20, 2024, which was denied on January 13, 2025; Montana urges Utah to continue litigation in U.S. District Court

Resolution asserts that indefinite federal land retention denies Montana equal statehood, deprives the state of sovereignty, and creates separation of powers conflicts

Secretary of State directed to send copies to Montana and Utah state officials, all state legislatures, the President, Congressional leadership, Montana's delegation, and federal courts