MT SB61

Establishes state policy affirming that all surface, underground, flood, and atmospheric waters within Montana are state property for public use, subject to appropriation for beneficial uses under Article IX, section 3(3) of the Montana Constitution

Requires water appropriation to meet both legal and physical availability standards

Recognizes streamflow measurement and monitoring as essential for determining water availability for new demands while protecting existing water rights

Declares that effective water management and distribution depends on accurate, real-time streamflow measurement

Codifies these policy considerations into Title 85, chapter 2, part 1 of Montana Code (water rights administration)