Senater Bill 72 Could Change Local Water Management

Dear Editor,

Legislation under consideration in Helena on water use and water rights could negatively impact the economic future of Montana family farms and ranches.

Senate Bill 72 makes sweeping changes to Montana water law, directly targeting our local district courts’ supervisory authority over local water commissioners. It replaces our current functioning system and centralizes control in a new, permanent Water Court with expanded powers over water rights enforcement.

Controversial provisions in this bill create a new opportunity for water right holders, including environmental group...