US HB6568

Bureau of Reclamation retains exclusive ownership, operational control, and financial responsibility for the 2.1-mile Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel near Intake, Montana in perpetuity

Lower Yellowstone Irrigation District and Irrigation Project are prohibited from being assigned any financial, operational, or maintenance responsibilities for the fish bypass channel, including any Endangered Species Act obligations related to pallid sturgeon conservation

Authorizes $1,000,000 annually beginning in fiscal year 2026 for operations, maintenance, repairs, and adaptive management of the bypass channel

Secretary of Interior must submit biennial reports to Congress on operational status, anticipated repairs, cost analysis, and coordination efforts with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies

Any prior agreements attempting to transfer bypass channel costs or responsibilities to the Irrigation District or Project are declared null and void