2017 Montana Legislature

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HOUSE BILL NO. 454

INTRODUCED BY K. WHITE

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT GENERALLY REVISING THE ADMINISTRATION OF RECREATIONAL RESOURCE PROGRAMS; ADMINISTRATIVELY ATTACHING THE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE; RENAMING THE DEPARTMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS TO BE THE DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE; CLARIFYING DEPARTMENTAL AND BOARD POWERS AND DUTIES; AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF STATE PARKS AND RECREATION; PROVIDING A STATUTORY APPROPRIATION; PROVIDING RULEMAKING AUTHORITY; AMENDING SECTIONS 2-15-104, 2-15-243, 2-15-3308, 2-15-3330, 2-15-3401, 2-15-3404, 2-15-3405, 5-5-223, 5-5-231, 7-3-1105, 7-3-1222, 7-8-2507, 7-22-2151, 7-31-4110, 10-2-112, 10-2-603, 10-3-801, 10-3-1204, 15-1-122, 15-30-2380, 15-30-2618, 15-35-108, 15-38-202, 15-65-121, 16-4-210, 17-7-161, 17-7-502, 18-2-301, 19-8-101, 19-8-301, 19-8-501, 19-8-504, 20-7-132, 22-3-1002, 22-3-1003, 23-1-101, 23-1-102, 23-1-105, 23-1-106, 23-1-107, 23-1-108, 23-1-109, 23-1-110, 23-1-111, 23-1-122, 23-1-126, 23-1-127, 23-1-128, 23-1-201, 23-1-202, 23-2-101, 23-2-102, 23-2-103, 23-2-301, 23-2-403, 23-2-404, 23-2-407, 23-2-408, 23-2-409, 23-2-410, 23-2-502, 23-2-519, 23-2-533, 23-2-536, 23-2-601, 23-2-615, 23-2-616, 23-2-633, 23-2-634, 23-2-636, 23-2-641, 23-2-657, 23-2-801, 23-2-806, 23-2-814, 23-2-824, 27-1-721, 37-47-345, 40-5-701, 44-4-115, 45-6-101, 45-6-201, 45-6-203, 45-8-109, 45-8-321, 50-53-209, 60-3-201, 61-3-321, 61-5-104, 70-16-302, 70-30-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-220, 75-1-324, 75-5-318, 75-7-103, 75-20-216, 76-13-421, 76-16-107, 77-1-202, 77-1-405, 77-1-801, 77-1-802, 77-1-804, 77-1-815, 77-2-101, 80-7-1003, 80-7-1004, 80-7-1006, 80-7-1010, 80-7-1015, 80-8-201, 81-7-102, 82-11-127, 82-11-185, 85-1-802, 85-2-102, 85-2-223, 85-2-436, 85-9-104, 85-9-202, 85-9-204, 87-1-101, 87-1-106, 87-1-201, 87-1-202, 87-1-209, 87-1-256, 87-1-301, 87-1-503, 87-1-601, 87-1-603, 87-1-621, 87-1-622, 87-2-504, 87-2-505, 87-2-510, 87-2-522, 87-2-817, 87-4-406, 87-4-422, 87-5-601, 87-5-602, 87-5-603, 87-5-605, 90-14-105, AND 90-15-102, MCA; REPEALING SECTION 2-15-3406, MCA; AND PROVIDING A DELAYED EFFECTIVE DATE."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

NEW SECTION. Section 1. State parks and recreation board -- allocation -- composition -- quasi-judicial. (1) There is a state parks and recreation board within the department of commerce. The board is attached to the department for administrative purposes only, as prescribed in 2-15-121. However, 2-15-121(2)(d) does not apply, and the board may hire its own personnel, including an executive director of state parks and recreation to oversee day-to-day operations and serve as secretary of the board, and may prescribe their duties and compensation. The board is responsible for directing and supervising its budget.

(2) The board consists of five members appointed by the governor, as prescribed in 2-15-124. The governor shall appoint one member from each of the following districts:

(a) District No. 1, consisting of Lincoln, Flathead, Sanders, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Granite, and Lewis and Clark Counties;

(b) District No. 2, consisting of Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, Beaverhead, Madison, Jefferson, Broadwater, Gallatin, Park, and Sweet Grass Counties;

(c) District No. 3, consisting of Glacier, Toole, Liberty, Hill, Pondera, Teton, Chouteau, Cascade, Judith Basin, Fergus, Blaine, Meagher, and Wheatland Counties;

(d) District No. 4, consisting of Phillips, Valley, Daniels, Sheridan, Roosevelt, Petroleum, Garfield, McCone, Richland, Dawson, and Wibaux Counties;

(e) District No. 5, consisting of Golden Valley, Musselshell, Stillwater, Carbon, Yellowstone, Big Horn, Treasure, Rosebud, Custer, Powder River, Carter, Fallon, and Prairie Counties.

(3) Appointments must be made without regard to political affiliation and must be made solely for the wise management of state parks and outdoor recreational resources administered pursuant to Title 23, chapter 1, and Title 23, chapter 2, parts 1, 4, 6, 8, and 9.

(4) A person appointed to the board must be informed or experienced in the conservation and protection of state parks, heritage resources, natural resources, tourism promotion and development, or outdoor recreation.

(5) A vacancy on the board must be filled by the governor in the same manner and from the district in which the vacancy occurs.

(6) The board is designated as a quasi-judicial board for purposes of 2-15-124, except that the requirement that at least one member be an attorney does not apply.

Section 2. Section 2-15-104, MCA, is amended to read:

"2-15-104. Structure of executive branch. (1) In accordance with the constitution, all executive and administrative offices, boards, commissions, agencies, and instrumentalities of the executive branch of state government and their respective functions are allocated by this chapter among and within the following departments or entities:

(a) department of administration;

(b) department of military affairs;

(d) state board of education;

(e) department of labor and industry;

(f) department of commerce;

(g) department of justice;

(h) department of public health and human services;

(i) department of corrections;

(j) department of transportation;

(k) department of public service regulation;

(l) department of agriculture;

(m) department of livestock;

(n) department of natural resources and conservation;

(o) department of fish, and wildlife, and parks;

(p) department of environmental quality.

(2) For its internal structure, each department shall adhere to the following standard terms:

(a) The principal unit of a department is a division. Each division is headed by an administrator.

(b) The principal unit of a division is a bureau. Each bureau is headed by a chief.

Section 3. Section 2-15-243, MCA, is amended to read:

"2-15-243. Montana sage grouse oversight team -- composition. (1) There is a Montana sage grouse oversight team. The oversight team is attached to the governor's office for administrative purposes only, as prescribed in 2-15-121.

(2) The oversight team consists of:

(a) the directors of the departments of:

(i) environmental quality;

(ii) fish, and wildlife, and parks;

(iii) natural resources and conservation; and

(iv) transportation;

(b) the administrator of the division of oil and gas conservation within the department of natural resources and conservation;

(d) one member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate;

(e) one member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house; and

(f) a designated representative of the governor. The governor's designated representative is the presiding officer of the oversight team.

(3) The oversight team shall meet at least quarterly to fulfill the requirements of Title 76, chapter 22, part 1. Each meeting must be recorded electronically.

(4) Unless otherwise provided by law, each member is entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses, as provided for in 2-18-501 through 2-18-503, incurred while performing oversight team duties."

Section 4. Section 2-15-3308, MCA, is amended to read:

"2-15-3308. Drought and water supply advisory committee. (1) There is a drought and water supply advisory committee in the department of natural resources and conservation.

(2) The drought and water supply advisory committee is chaired by a representative of the governor and consists of representatives of the departments of natural resources and conservation; agriculture; commerce; fish, and wildlife, and parks; military affairs; environmental quality; and livestock. The governor's representative must be appointed by the governor, and the representative of each department must be appointed by the head of that department. Additional, nonvoting members who represent federal and local government agencies and public and private interests affected by drought or flooding may also be appointed by the governor.

(3) The drought and water supply advisory committee shall:

(a) with the approval of the governor, develop and implement a state plan that considers drought and flooding;

(b) review and report drought and water supply monitoring information to the public;

(d) identify areas of the state with a high probability of drought or flooding and target reporting and assistance efforts to those areas;

(e) upon request, assist in organizing local advisory committees for the areas identified under subsection (3)(d);

(f) request state agency staff to provide technical assistance to local advisory committees; and

(g) promote ideas and activities for groups and individuals to consider that may reduce drought or flooding vulnerability.

(4) The drought and water supply advisory committee shall meet, at a minimum, on or around October 15 and March 15 of each year to assess moisture conditions and forecasts and, as appropriate, begin preparations for drought or flood mitigation.

(5) By April 15 of each year, the drought and water supply advisory committee shall submit a report to the governor describing the potential for drought or flooding in the coming year. If the potential for drought or flooding merits additional activity by the drought and water supply advisory committee, the report must also describe:

(a) activities to be taken by the drought and water supply advisory committee for informing the public about the potential impacts of drought or flooding;

(b) a schedule for completing activities;

(c) geographic areas for which the creation of local drought and water supply advisory committees will be suggested to local governments and citizens; and

(d) requests for the use of any available state resources that may be necessary to prevent or minimize drought or flood impacts.

(6) Nothing in this section is intended to remove or interfere with the duties and responsibilities of the governor or the division of disaster and emergency services for disaster coordination and emergency response, as provided in Title 10, chapter 3, part 1. The duties and responsibilities of the drought and water supply advisory committee supplement and are consistent with those of the division of disaster and emergency services for drought or flood planning, preparation, coordination, and mitigation."

Section 5. Section 2-15-3330, MCA, is amended to read:

"2-15-3330. Flathead basin commission -- membership -- compensation. (1) There is a Flathead basin commission.

(2) The commission consists of 23 members selected as follows:

(a) seven members appointed by the governor from industrial, environmental, and other interests affected by Title 75, chapter 7, part 3, one of whom must be on the governor's staff;

(b) one member, appointed by the director of the department of natural resources and conservation, representing the northwestern land office of the department of natural resources and conservation;

(d) one member appointed by the Lake County commissioners;

(e) one member appointed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes;

(f) one member appointed by the United States department of agriculture, forest service regional forester for the northern region;

(g) one member appointed by the United States department of the interior, national park service regional director for the Rocky Mountain region;

(h) one member appointed by the Flathead County conservation district board of supervisors;

(i) one member appointed by the Lake County conservation district board of supervisors;

(j) five ex officio members appointed respectively by the chief executive of the provincial government of the Province of British Columbia; the regional administrator of the United States environmental protection agency; the regional administrator of the United States department of the interior, bureau of reclamation; a representative of the Bonneville power administration; and the holder of a license issued for the Flathead project under the Federal Power Act;

(k) three ex officio members who are the director of the department of natural resources and conservation, the director of the department of environmental quality, and the director of the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks or their designees.

(3) The commissioners shall serve without pay. The commissioners listed in subsection (2)(a), except the commissioner on the governor's staff, are entitled to reimbursement for travel, meals, and lodging while engaged in commission business, as provided in 2-18-501 through 2-18-503.

(4) The commission is attached to the department of natural resources and conservation for administrative purposes only."

Section 6. Section 2-15-3401, MCA, is amended to read:

"2-15-3401. Department of fish, and wildlife, and parks -- head. There is a department of fish, and wildlife, and parks. The department head is the director of fish, and wildlife, and parks appointed by the governor in accordance with 2-15-111. The director is the secretary of the:

(1) fish and wildlife commission established in 2-15-3402; and

(2) state parks and recreation board established in 2-15-3406."

Section 7. Section 2-15-3404, MCA, is amended to read:

"2-15-3404. Fish, and wildlife, and parks crimestoppers board. (1) There is a fish, and wildlife, and parks crimestoppers board.

(2) (a) The board consists of five members, four of whom are appointed by the director of the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks as follows:

(i) a person within the department responsible for the enforcement of fish and wildlife laws;

(ii) a member of a hunter's, angler's, or conservation group;

(iii) a member who is actively engaged in agricultural production; and

(iv) a member of the public with an interest in parks and fish and wildlife-related recreation.

(b) The fifth member is a member of the fish and wildlife commission who must be designated by the commission.

(3) The board shall elect a presiding officer from its members.

(4) A member must be appointed for a term of 2 years and may be reappointed.

(5) (a) A vacancy must be filled within 14 days of occurrence in the same manner as the original appointment.

(b) A vacancy does not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise the powers of the board.

(6) The board is allocated to the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks for administrative purposes only as provided in 2-15-121."

Section 8. Section 2-15-3405, MCA, is amended to read:

"2-15-3405. Appointment of wetlands protection advisory council. (1) The director of fish, and wildlife, and parks shall appoint an advisory council pursuant to 2-15-122 to review proposals developed by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks that involve the use of money received by the department under 87-2-411 for the protection, conservation, and development of wetlands in Montana.

(2) Members must be appointed to the advisory council who represent Montana migratory game bird hunters, nonconsumptive users of wildlife, and the agricultural industry."

Section 9. Section 5-5-223, MCA, is amended to read:

"5-5-223. Economic affairs interim committee. (1) The Except as provided in 75-1-324, the economic affairs interim committee has administrative rule review, draft legislation review, program evaluation, and monitoring functions for the following executive branch agencies and the entities attached to agencies for administrative purposes:

(a) department of agriculture;

(b) department of commerce;

(d) department of livestock;

(e) office of the state auditor and insurance commissioner;

(f) office of economic development;

(g) the state compensation insurance fund provided for in 39-71-2313, including the board of directors of the state compensation insurance fund established in 2-15-1019; and

(h) the division of banking and financial institutions provided for in 32-1-211.

(2) The state compensation insurance fund shall annually provide to the committee a report on its budget as approved by the state compensation insurance fund board of directors."

Section 10. Section 5-5-231, MCA, is amended to read:

"5-5-231. Water policy committee. (1) There is a water policy committee. The committee shall:

(a) determine which water policy issues it examines;

(b) conduct interim studies as assigned pursuant to 5-5-217;

(c) subject to the provisions of 5-5-202(4), coordinate with the environmental quality council and other interim committees to avoid duplication of efforts;

(d) report its activities, findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation as provided in 5-11-210; and

(e) in accordance with 5-5-215, for issues where the primary concern is the quality or quantity of water, perform the administrative rule review, draft legislation review, program evaluation, and monitoring functions of an interim committee for the following executive branch agencies and the entities attached to the agencies for administrative purposes:

(i) department of environmental quality;

(ii) department of fish, and wildlife, and parks; and

(iii) department of natural resources and conservation.

(2) At least two members of the committee must possess experience in agriculture."

Section 11. Section 7-3-1105, MCA, is amended to read:

"7-3-1105. Rules, ordinances, and resolutions of consolidated unit. (1) Within 2 years after ratification of the consolidation, the governing body of the consolidated unit of local government shall revise, repeal, or reaffirm all rules, ordinances, and resolutions in force within the participating county, cities, and towns at the time of consolidation. Each rule, ordinance, or resolution in force at the time of consolidation must remain in force within the former geographic jurisdiction until superseded by action of the new governing body. Ordinances and resolutions relating to public improvements to be paid for in whole or in part by special assessments may not be repealed.

(2) (a) A consolidated government may adopt, for the portion of the consolidated government that was formerly a city or town, a plan to control, remove, and restrict game animals, as defined in 87-2-101, within the defined boundaries of the city or town limits for public health and safety purposes. Upon adoption of a plan, the consolidated government shall notify the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks of the plan. If the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks approves the plan or approves the plan with conditions, the consolidated government may implement the plan as approved or as approved with conditions.

(b) The plan may allow the hunting of game animals and provide restrictions on the feeding of game animals."

Section 12. Section 7-3-1222, MCA, is amended to read:

"7-3-1222. Procedure to enact ordinances and resolutions. (1) Ordinances and resolutions must be introduced in the commission only in written or printed form. All ordinances or resolutions, except ordinances making appropriations, must be confined to one subject, which must be clearly expressed in the title, except as provided in 7-3-1226. Ordinances making appropriations must be confined to the subject of appropriations. An ordinance may not be passed until it has been read on 3 separate days, unless the requirement of reading on 3 separate days has been dispensed with by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the members of the commission. The final reading must be in full unless a written or printed copy of the measure has been furnished to each member of the commission prior to final reading.

(2) The enacting clause of all ordinances passed by the commission must be: "Be it ordained by the city and county of ________", and the enacting clause of all ordinances submitted by the initiative must be: "Be it ordained by the people of the city and county of _______".

(3) An ordinance, resolution, or section of an ordinance or resolution may not be revised or amended unless the new ordinance or resolution contains the entire ordinance, resolution, or section of the ordinance or resolution as revised or amended.

(4) Every ordinance or resolution, upon its final passage, must be recorded in a book kept for that purpose and must be authenticated by the signatures of the president and clerk. Within 10 days after its final passage, each ordinance or resolution must be published at least once in the manner that the commission may provide by ordinance.

(5) Initiated ordinances adopted by the electors must be published and may be amended or repealed by the commission, as in the case of other ordinances.

(6) (a) A consolidated government may adopt, for the portion of the consolidated government that was formerly a city or town, a plan to control, remove, and restrict game animals, as defined in 87-2-101, within the boundaries that are within the city or town limits for public health and safety purposes. Upon adoption of a plan, the consolidated government shall notify the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks of the plan. If the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks approves the plan or approves the plan with conditions, the consolidated government may implement the plan as approved or as approved with conditions.

(b) The plan may allow the hunting of game animals and provide restrictions on the feeding of game animals."

Section 13. Section 7-8-2507, MCA, is amended to read:

"7-8-2507. Land management alternatives. The board may:

(1) (a) grant permits or licenses to use the lands in the manner that the board determines and in the best interests of the county and for the public benefit and welfare; and

(b) fix the terms, conditions, and price of the permits or licenses;

(2) enter into cooperative use agreements with individuals, groups of individuals, corporations, associations, cooperative state grazing districts, the state of Montana, the United States of America, and any state or federal subdivision, department, bureau, commission, or agency, including but not limited to the Montana department of fish, and wildlife, and parks, the bureau of land management, conservation districts, and the Montana department of natural resources and conservation;

(3) trade or exchange the lands with individuals or other state or federal governmental agencies, pursuant to terms, conditions, and procedures adopted by the board;

(4) (a) grant leases of the lands for the purposes and uses that the board determines are in the best interests of the county, including the exploration and development of oil, gas, and other minerals; and

(b) fix the terms and conditions of the leases and the consideration to be paid by any lessee; and

(5) sell the lands or any part of the lands pursuant to the procedures provided in this part."

Section 14. Section 7-22-2151, MCA, is amended to read:

"7-22-2151. Cooperative agreements. (1) A state agency that controls land within a district, including the department of transportation,; the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks; the department of corrections,; the department of natural resources and conservation,; the state parks and recreation board, and the university system, shall enter into a written agreement with the board. The agreement must specify mutual responsibilities for integrated noxious weed management on state-owned or state-controlled land within the district. The agreement must include the following:

(a) an integrated noxious weed management plan, which must be updated biennially;

(b) a noxious weed management goals statement;

(d) a provision requiring a biennial performance report by the board to the state weed coordinator in the department of agriculture, on a form to be provided by the state weed coordinator, regarding the success of the plan.

(2) The board and the governing body of each incorporated municipality within the district shall enter into a written agreement and shall cooperatively plan for the management of noxious weeds within the boundaries of the municipality. The board may implement management procedures described in the plan within the boundaries of the municipality for noxious weeds only. Control of nuisance weeds within the municipality remains the responsibility of the governing body of the municipality, as specified in 7-22-4101.

(3) A board may develop and carry out its noxious weed management program in cooperation with boards of other districts, with state and federal governments and their agencies, or with any person within the district. The board may enter into cooperative agreements with any of these parties.

(4) Each agency or entity listed in subsection (1) shall submit a statement or summary of all noxious weed actions that are subject to the agreement required under subsection (1) to the state weed coordinator and shall post a copy of the statement or summary on a state electronic access system."

Section 15. Section 7-31-4110, MCA, is amended to read:

"7-31-4110. Restriction of wildlife. (1) A city or town may adopt a plan to control, remove, and restrict game animals, as defined in 87-2-101, within the boundaries of the city or town limits for public health and safety purposes. Upon adoption of a plan, the city or town shall notify the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks of the plan. If the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks approves the plan or approves the plan with conditions, the city or town may implement the plan as approved or as approved with conditions.

(2) The plan may allow the hunting of game animals and provide restrictions on the feeding of game animals."

Section 16. Section 10-2-112, MCA, is amended to read:

"10-2-112. Veterans' services special revenue account -- sources of funds -- designated uses. (1) There is a veterans' services account in the state special revenue fund, established pursuant to 17-2-102(1)(b), to the credit of the board.

(2) Money transferred pursuant to 15-1-122(3)(d) from license plate sales as described in 10-2-114 and from gifts, grants, or donations must be deposited in the veterans' services account.

(3) Legislative appropriations of money in the veterans' services account must be used for the purposes identified in 10-2-102 or other functions authorized by the board.

(4) There is a veterans' services federal account in the federal special revenue fund established for federal funds received under 10-2-106."

Section 17. Section 10-2-603, MCA, is amended to read:

"10-2-603. Special revenue account -- use of funds -- solicitation. (1) There is an account in the special revenue fund to the credit of the board for the state veterans' cemeteries.

(2) Plot allowances, donations to the cemetery program, and fund transfers pursuant to 15-1-122(3)(d) must be deposited into the account.

(3) The account is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, to the department and may be used by the board only for the construction, maintenance, operation, and administration of the state veterans' cemeteries.

(4) The board shall solicit veterans' license plate sales and donations on behalf of the state veterans' cemeteries."

Section 18. Section 10-3-801, MCA, is amended to read:

"10-3-801. Account created for funding search and rescue operations -- rules. (1) There is an account in the state special revenue fund established in 17-2-102. The account must be administered by the disaster and emergency services division of the department exclusively for the purposes of search and rescue as provided in this section. The department may retain up to 5% of the money in the account to pay its costs of administering this section.

(2) There must be deposited in the account:

(a) fund transfers pursuant to 15-1-122(3)(e);

(b) fund transfers pursuant to 87-1-601(10). These funds may be used only as provided in 87-1-601(10).

(c) all money received by the department in the form of gifts, grants, reimbursements, or appropriations from any source intended to be used for search and rescue operations.

(3) (a) Not less than 50% of the money in the account must be used by the department to defray costs of:

(i) local search and rescue units for search and rescue missions conducted through a county sheriff's office at a maximum of $6,000 for each rescue mission, regardless of the number of counties or county search and rescue organizations involved. To fulfill the purposes of this subsection (3)(a)(i), the department shall transmit reimbursement money to the county treasurer, who shall deposit the funds in a separate search and rescue fund accessible by the local search and rescue unit that requested the reimbursement. The county treasurer shall notify the reimbursed local search and rescue unit by mail when the deposit occurs.

(ii) a county sheriff's office at a maximum of $6,000 for each rescue mission, regardless of the number of counties or county search and rescue organizations involved.

(b) The remaining money in the account may be used by the department:

(i) to match local funds for the purchase of equipment for use by local search and rescue units at a maximum of $6,000 for each unit in a calendar year. The cost-sharing match must be 35% local funds to 65% from the account.

(ii) for reimbursement of expenses related to the training of search and rescue volunteers.

(4) The department may adopt rules to implement the proper administration of the account. The rules may include:

(a) a method of reimbursing local search and rescue units or a county sheriff's office, on a case-by-case basis, for authorized search and rescue operations conducted pursuant to subsection (3)(a), including verification of search missions, claims procedures, fiscal accountability, and the number and circumstances of search missions involving persons engaged in hunting, fishing, and trapping in a fiscal year;

(b) methods for processing requests for equipment matching funds and training funds made pursuant to subsection (3)(b), including any verification and accounting necessary to ensure that the provisions of subsection (3)(b) are met, and determining the percentage of all search missions involving persons engaged in hunting, fishing, or trapping in a fiscal year;

(c) a system involving input from representatives of county sheriff organizations and state and local search and rescue organizations for assistance in verifying and processing claims for reimbursement, equipment, and training; and

(d) a method for compiling and keeping current a contact list of all search and rescue units in Montana and in neighboring states and provinces in order to ensure collaboration, communication, and cooperation between the various county search and rescue units and between the department and the county units and dedication of a page on the department's website for posting the contact list and other relevant search and rescue information."

Section 19. Section 10-3-1204, MCA, is amended to read:

"10-3-1204. State emergency response commission -- members -- duties -- establishment of incident response and incident management teams. (1) There is a state emergency response commission that is attached to the department for administrative purposes. The commission consists of 29 members appointed by the governor. The commission must include representatives of the national guard, the air force, the department of environmental quality, the division, the department of transportation, the department of justice, the department of natural resources and conservation, the department of public health and human services, a fire service association, the fire services training school, the emergency medical services and trauma systems section of the public health and safety division in the department of public health and human services, the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks, the department of agriculture, Montana hospitals, an emergency medical services association, a law enforcement association, an emergency management association, a public health-related association, a trucking association, a utility company doing business in Montana, a railroad company doing business in Montana, Montana's petroleum industry, Montana's insurance industry, the university system, a tribal emergency response commission, the national weather service, the Montana association of counties, the Montana league of cities and towns, and the office of the governor. At least one representative must be a member of a local emergency planning committee. Members of the commission serve terms of 4 years and may be reappointed. The members shall serve without compensation. The governor shall appoint two presiding officers from the appointees, who shall act as copresiding officers.

(2) The commission shall implement the provisions of this part. The commission may create and implement a state hazardous material incident response team to respond to hazardous material incidents. The members of the team must be certified in accordance with the plan.

(3) The commission may enter into written agreements with each entity or person providing equipment or services to the state hazardous material incident response team.

(4) The commission or its designee may direct that the state hazardous material incident response team be available and respond, when requested by a local emergency response authority, to hazardous material incidents according to the plan.

(5) The commission may contract with persons to meet state emergency response needs for the state hazardous material incident response team.

(6) The commission may advise, consult, cooperate, and enter into agreements with agencies of the state and federal government, other states and their state agencies, cities, counties, tribal governments, and other persons concerned with emergency response and matters relating to and arising out of incidents.

(7) The commission may encourage, participate in, or conduct studies, investigations, training, research, and demonstrations for and with the state hazardous material incident response team, local emergency responders, and other interested persons.

(8) The commission may collect and disseminate information relating to emergency response to incidents.

(9) The commission may accept and administer grants, gifts, or other funds, conditional or otherwise, made to the state for emergency response activities provided for in this part.

(10) The commission may prepare, coordinate, implement, and update a plan that coordinates state and local emergency authorities to respond to incidents within the state. The plan must be consistent with this part. All state emergency response responsibilities relating to an incident must be defined by the plan.

(11) The commission has the powers and duties of a state emergency response commission under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. 11001, et seq., except that the division shall oversee the creation, annual local review, and exercise and revision of the local emergency operations plan as provided by state law.

(12) The commission shall promulgate rules and procedures limited to cost recovery procedures, certification of state hazardous material incident response team members and all-hazard incident management assistance team members, and deployment of the state hazardous material incident response team and all-hazard incident management assistance teams, which must be a part of the plan.

(13) The commission shall act as an all-hazard advisory board to the division by:

(a) assisting the division in carrying out its responsibilities by providing the division with recommendations on issues pertaining to all-hazard emergency management;

(b) authorizing the establishment of subcommittees to develop and provide the recommendations called for in subsection (13)(a); and

(14) The commission shall appoint the members of the Montana intrastate mutual aid committee provided for in 10-3-904.

(15) All state agencies and institutions shall cooperate with the commission in the commission's efforts to carry out its duties under this part."

Section 20. Section 15-1-122, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-1-122. (Bracketed language effective July 1, 2021) Fund transfers. (1) There is transferred from the state general fund to the adoption services account, provided for in 42-2-105, a base amount of $59,209, and the amount of the transfer must be increased by 10% in each succeeding fiscal year.

(2) For fiscal years 2016 through 2019, there is transferred $1.275 million on an annual basis from the state general fund to the research and commercialization state special revenue account provided for in 90-3-1002.

(3) For each fiscal year, there is transferred from the state general fund to the accounts, entities, or recipients indicated the following amounts:

(a) to the motor vehicle recycling and disposal program provided for in Title 75, chapter 10, part 5, 1.48% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund in each fiscal year. The amount of 9.48% of the allocation in each fiscal year must be used for the purpose of reimbursing the hired removal of abandoned vehicles. Any portion of the allocation not used for abandoned vehicle removal reimbursement must be used as provided in 75-10-532.

(b) to the noxious weed state special revenue account provided for in 80-7-816, 1.50% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund in each fiscal year;

(c) to the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks: 0.09% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund to administer and enforce the provisions of Title 23, chapter 2, part 5;

(i) 0.46% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund, with the applicable percentage to be:

(A) used to:

(d) to the department of commerce:

(I)(i) 0.023% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund to acquire and maintain pumpout equipment and other boat facilities, 4.8% in each fiscal year;

(II) administer and enforce the provisions of Title 23, chapter 2, part 5, 19.1% in each fiscal year;

(III)(ii) 0.05% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund to enforce the provisions of 23-2-804, 11.1% in each fiscal year Title 23, chapter 2, part 8; and

(IV)(iii) 0.077% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund to develop and implement a comprehensive program and to plan appropriate off-highway vehicle recreational use, 16.7% in each fiscal year; and

(B)(iv) 0.22% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund to be deposited in the state special revenue fund established in 23-1-105 in an amount equal to 48.3% in each fiscal year;

(ii)(v) 0.10% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund in each fiscal year, with 50% of the amount to be used for enforcing the purposes of Title 23, chapter 2, part 6, and 50% of the amount designated for use in the development, maintenance, and operation of snowmobile facilities; and

(iii)(vi) 0.16% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund in each fiscal year to be deposited in the motorboat account to be used as provided established in 23-2-533;

(d)(e) 0.81% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund in each fiscal year, with 24.55% to be deposited in the state veterans' cemetery account provided for in 10-2-603 and with 75.45% to be deposited in the veterans' services account provided for in 10-2-112(1); and

(e)(f) to the search and rescue account provided for in 10-3-801, 0.04% of the motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund in each fiscal year.

(4) The amount of $200,000 is transferred from the state general fund to the livestock loss [reduction and] mitigation restricted state special revenue account provided for in 81-1-112 in each fiscal year.

(5) For the purposes of this section, "motor vehicle revenue deposited in the state general fund" means revenue received from:

(a) fees for issuing a motor vehicle title paid pursuant to 61-3-203;

(b) fees, fees in lieu of taxes, and taxes for vehicles, vessels, and snowmobiles registered or reregistered pursuant to 61-3-321 and 61-3-562;

(d) all money collected pursuant to 15-1-504(3).

(6) Except as provided in subsection (2), the amounts transferred from the general fund to the designated recipient must be appropriated as state special revenue in the general appropriations act for the designated purposes. (Bracketed language in subsection (4) effective July 1, 2021--sec. 8, Ch. 349, L. 2015.)"

Section 21. Section 15-30-2380, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-30-2380. (Temporary) Credit for unlocking public lands program -- definitions. (1) A taxpayer is allowed a credit against the taxes imposed by Title 15, chapter 30 or 31, in the amount of $750 for each qualified access to public land that is provided. The maximum credit that a taxpayer may claim in a year under this section is $3,000.

(2) If the amount of the credit exceeds the taxpayer's liability under Title 15, chapter 30 or 31, the amount of the excess must be refunded to the taxpayer. The credit may be claimed even if the claimant has no taxable income.

(3) If the property through which access is provided is owned by multiple taxpayers, the taxpayers may claim a proportionate share of the $750 credit based on their respective ownership interests in that property.

(4) If qualified access to the same parcel of public land is provided through separate properties owned by different taxpayers, the taxpayer for each property may claim a $750 credit.

(5) For purposes of this section:

(a) "public land" means:

(i) state land, as defined in 77-1-101; or

(ii) federal land managed by the U.S. forest service or the bureau of land management; and

(b) "qualified access to public land":

(i) means an access or corridor established through a taxpayer's property to a parcel of public land for recreational use and certified by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks pursuant to 87-1-294;

(ii) does not include a corridor established between two or more parcels of public land when the public land parcels are surrounded by private land that the landowner or landowners have not granted permission to cross and there is no other legal access. (Terminates December 31, 2020--sec. 3, Ch. 392, L. 2015.)"

Section 22. Section 15-30-2618, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-30-2618. Confidentiality of tax records. (1) Except as provided in 5-12-303, 15-1-106, 17-7-111, and subsections (8) and (9) of this section, in accordance with a proper judicial order, or as otherwise provided by law, it is unlawful to divulge or make known in any manner:

(a) the amount of income or any particulars set forth or disclosed in any individual report or individual return required under this chapter or any other information secured in the administration of this chapter; or

(b) any federal return or federal return information disclosed on any return or report required by rule of the department or under this chapter.

(2) (a) The officers charged with the custody of the reports and returns may not be required to produce them or evidence of anything contained in them in an action or proceeding in a court, except in an action or proceeding:

(i) to which the department is a party under the provisions of this chapter or any other taxing act; or

(ii) on behalf of a party to any action or proceedings under the provisions of this chapter or other taxes when the reports or facts shown by the reports are directly involved in the action or proceedings.

(b) The court may require the production of and may admit in evidence only as much of the reports or of the facts shown by the reports as are pertinent to the action or proceedings.

(3) This section does not prohibit:

(a) the delivery to a taxpayer or the taxpayer's authorized representative of a certified copy of any return or report filed in connection with the taxpayer's tax;

(b) the publication of statistics classified to prevent the identification of particular reports or returns and the items of particular reports or returns; or

(c) the inspection by the attorney general or other legal representative of the state of the report or return of any taxpayer who brings an action to set aside or review the tax based on the report or return or against whom an action or proceeding has been instituted in accordance with the provisions of 15-30-2630.

(4) The department may deliver to a taxpayer's spouse the taxpayer's return or information related to the return for a tax year if the spouse and the taxpayer filed the return with the filing status of married filing separately on the same return. The information being provided to the spouse or reported on the return, including subsequent adjustments or amendments to the return, must be treated in the same manner as if the spouse and the taxpayer filed the return using a joint filing status for that tax year.

(5) Reports and returns must be preserved for at least 3 years and may be preserved until the department orders them to be destroyed.

(6) Any offense against subsections (1) through (5) is punishable by a fine not exceeding $500. If the offender is an officer or employee of the state, the offender must be dismissed from office or employment and may not hold any public office or public employment in this state for a period of 1 year after dismissal or, in the case of a former officer or employee, for 1 year after conviction.

(7) This section may not be construed to prohibit the department from providing taxpayer return information and information from employers' payroll withholding reports to:

(a) the department of labor and industry to be used for the purpose of investigation and prevention of noncompliance, tax evasion, fraud, and abuse under the unemployment insurance laws; or

(b) the state fund to be used for the purpose of investigation and prevention of noncompliance, fraud, and abuse under the workers' compensation program.

(8) The department may permit the commissioner of internal revenue of the United States or the proper officer of any state imposing a tax on the incomes of individuals or the authorized representative of either officer to inspect the return of income of any individual or may furnish to the officer or an authorized representative an abstract of the return of income of any individual or supply the officer with information concerning an item of income contained in a return or disclosed by the report of an investigation of the income or return of income of an individual, but the permission may be granted or information furnished only if the statutes of the United States or of the other state grant substantially similar privileges to the proper officer of this state charged with the administration of this chapter.

(9) On written request to the director or a designee of the director, the department shall furnish:

(a) to the department of justice all information necessary to identify those persons qualifying for the additional exemption for blindness pursuant to 15-30-2114(4), for the purpose of enabling the department of justice to administer the provisions of 61-5-105;

(b) to the department of public health and human services information acquired under 15-30-2616, pertaining to an applicant for public assistance, reasonably necessary for the prevention and detection of public assistance fraud and abuse, provided notice to the applicant has been given;

(c) to the department of labor and industry for the purpose of prevention and detection of fraud and abuse in and eligibility for benefits under the unemployment compensation and workers' compensation programs information on whether a taxpayer who is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the department of labor and industry is an employee, an independent contractor, or self-employed;

(d) to the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks specific information that is available from income tax returns and required under 87-2-102 to establish the residency requirements of an applicant for hunting and fishing licenses;

(e) to the board of regents information required under 20-26-1111;

(f) to the legislative fiscal analyst and the office of budget and program planning individual income tax information as provided in 5-12-303, 15-1-106, and 17-7-111. The information provided to the office of budget and program planning must be the same as the information provided to the legislative fiscal analyst.

(g) to the department of transportation farm income information based on the most recent income tax return filed by an applicant applying for a refund under 15-70-430, provided that notice to the applicant has been given as provided in 15-70-430. The information obtained by the department of transportation is subject to the same restrictions on disclosure as are individual income tax returns.

(h) to the commissioner of insurance's office all information necessary for the administration of the small business health insurance tax credit provided for in Title 33, chapter 22, part 20;

(i) to the department of commerce tax information about a taxpayer whose debt is assigned to the department of revenue for offset or collection pursuant to the terms of Title 17, chapter 4, part 1. The information provided to the department of commerce must be used for the purposes of preventing and detecting fraud or abuse and determining eligibility for grants or loans.

(j) to the superintendent of public instruction information required under 20-9-905. (Subsection (9)(j) terminates December 31, 2023--sec. 33, Ch. 457, L. 2015.)"

Section 23. Section 15-35-108, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-35-108. (Temporary) Disposal of severance taxes. Severance taxes collected under this chapter must, in accordance with the provisions of 17-2-124, be allocated as follows:

(1) Fifty percent of total coal severance tax collections is allocated to the trust fund created by Article IX, section 5, of the Montana constitution. The trust fund money must be deposited in the fund established under 17-6-203(6) and invested by the board of investments as provided by law.

(2) The amount of 12% of coal severance tax collections is allocated to the long-range building program account established in 17-7-205.

(3) The amount of 5.46% must be credited to an account in the state special revenue fund to be allocated by the legislature for provision of basic library services for the residents of all counties through library federations and for payment of the costs of participating in regional and national networking, conservation districts, and the Montana Growth Through Agriculture Act. Expenditures of the allocation may be made only from this account. Money may not be transferred from this account to another account other than the general fund. Any unreserved fund balance at the end of each fiscal year must be deposited in the general fund.

(4) The amount of 1.27% must be allocated to a permanent fund account for the purpose of parks acquisition or management. Income from this permanent fund account, excluding unrealized gains and losses, must be appropriated for the acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of any sites and areas described in 23-1-102 23-1-111.

(5) The amount of 0.95% must be allocated to the debt service fund type to the credit of the renewable resource loan debt service fund.

(6) The amount of 0.63% must be allocated to a trust fund for the purpose of protection of works of art in the capitol and for other cultural and aesthetic projects. Income from this trust fund account, excluding unrealized gains and losses, must be appropriated for protection of works of art in the state capitol and for other cultural and aesthetic projects.

(7) The amount of 5.8% through June 30, 2017, and beginning July 1, 2017, the amount of 2.9% must be credited to the coal natural resource account established in 90-6-1001(2).

(8) After the allocations are made under subsections (2) through (7), $250,000 for the fiscal year must be credited to the coal and uranium mine permitting and reclamation program account established in 82-4-244.

(9) (a) Subject to subsection (9)(b), all other revenue from severance taxes collected under the provisions of this chapter must be credited to the general fund of the state and is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, on July 1 each year to the trust fund for the public employees' retirement system defined benefit plan established pursuant to 19-3-103.

(b) The interest income of the coal severance tax permanent fund that is deposited in the general fund, less the annual transfer of $1.275 million to the research and commercialization state special revenue account pursuant to 15-1-122(2), is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, on July 1 each year as follows:

(i) $65,000 to the cooperative development center;

(ii) $625,000 for the growth through agriculture program provided for in Title 90, chapter 9;

(iii) to the department of commerce:

(A) $125,000 for a small business development center;

(B) $50,000 for a small business innovative research program;

(D) $200,000 for the Montana manufacturing extension center at Montana state university-Bozeman; and

(E) $300,000 for export trade enhancement; and

(iv) except as provided in subsection (9)(c), up to $21 million to the public employees' retirement system defined benefit plan trust fund.

(c) If the legislative finance committee determines that the public employees' retirement board has failed to provide a sufficient report pursuant to 19-3-117, it shall recommend that $5 million be subtracted from the amount allocated in subsection (9)(b)(iv) subject to legislative approval. (Terminates June 30, 2019--secs. 2, 3, Ch. 459, L. 2009.)

15-35-108. (Effective July 1, 2019) Disposal of severance taxes. Severance taxes collected under this chapter must, in accordance with the provisions of 17-2-124, be allocated as follows:

(2) The amount of 12% of coal severance tax collections is allocated to the long-range building program account established in 17-7-205.

(5) The amount of 0.95% must be allocated to the debt service fund type to the credit of the renewable resource loan debt service fund.

(7) The amount of 2.9% must be credited to the coal natural resource account established in 90-6-1001(2).

(b) Except as provided in subsection (9)(c), up to $24 million of the interest income from the coal severance tax permanent fund that is deposited in the general fund is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, on July 1 each year to the public employees' retirement system defined benefit plan trust fund.

Section 24. Section 15-38-202, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-38-202. Investment of resource indemnity trust fund -- expenditure -- minimum balance. (1) All money paid into the resource indemnity trust fund must be invested at the discretion of the board of investments. Only the net earnings, excluding unrealized gains and losses, may be appropriated and expended until the fund balance, excluding unrealized gains and losses, reaches $100 million. After the fund balance reaches $100 million, all net earnings, excluding unrealized gains and losses, and all receipts may be appropriated by the legislature and expended, provided that the fund balance, excluding unrealized gains and losses, may never be less than $100 million.

(2) (a) At the beginning of each fiscal year, there is allocated from the interest income of the resource indemnity trust fund:

(i) $3.2 million to be deposited in the natural resources projects state special revenue account, established in 15-38-302, for the purpose of making grants;

(ii) $300,000 to be deposited in the ground water assessment account established in 85-2-905;

(iii) $500,000 to the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks for the purposes of 87-1-283. The future fisheries review panel shall approve and fund qualified mineral reclamation projects before other types of qualified projects.

(b) At the beginning of each biennium, there is allocated from the interest income of the resource indemnity trust fund:

(i) $650,000 to be deposited in the oil and gas production damage mitigation account pursuant to the conditions of 82-11-161;

(ii) $500,000 to be deposited in the water storage state special revenue account created by 85-1-631; and

(iii) $175,000 to be deposited in the environmental contingency account established in 75-1-1101.

(i) Sixty-five percent of the interest income of the resource indemnity trust fund must be allocated to the natural resources operations state special revenue account established in 15-38-301.

(ii) Twenty-six percent of the interest income of the resource indemnity trust fund must be allocated to the hazardous waste/CERCLA special revenue account provided for in 75-10-621.

(iii) Nine percent of the interest income of the resource indemnity trust fund must be allocated to the environmental quality protection fund provided for in 75-10-704.

(3) Any formal budget document prepared by the legislature or the executive branch that proposes to appropriate funds other than as provided for by the allocations in subsection (2) must specify the amount of money from each allocation that is proposed to be diverted and the proposed use of the diverted funds. A formal budget document includes a printed and publicly distributed budget proposal or recommendation, an introduced bill, or a bill developed during the legislative appropriation process or otherwise during a legislative session."

Section 25. Section 15-65-121, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-65-121. Distribution of tax proceeds. (1) The proceeds of the tax imposed by 15-65-111 must, in accordance with the provisions of 17-2-124, be deposited in an account in the state special revenue fund to the credit of the department. The department may spend from that account in accordance with an expenditure appropriation by the legislature based on an estimate of the costs of collecting and disbursing the proceeds of the tax. Before allocating the balance of the tax proceeds in accordance with the provisions of 17-2-124 and as provided in subsections (2)(a) through (2)(f) of this section, the department shall determine the expenditures by state agencies for in-state lodging for each reporting period and deduct 4% of that amount from the tax proceeds received each reporting period. The department shall distribute the portion of the 4% that was paid with federal funds to the agency that made the in-state lodging expenditure and deposit 30% of the amount deducted less the portion paid with federal funds in the state general fund. The amount of $400,000 each year must be deposited in the Montana heritage preservation and development account provided for in 22-3-1004.

(2) The balance of the tax proceeds received each reporting period and not deducted pursuant to the expenditure appropriation, deposited in the state general fund, distributed to agencies that paid the tax with federal funds, or deposited in the heritage preservation and development account must be transferred to an account in the state special revenue fund to the credit of the department of commerce for tourism promotion, and promotion of the state as a location for the production of motion pictures and television commercials, and state parks, to the Montana historical interpretation state special revenue account, to the Montana historical society, and to the university system, and to the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, as follows:

(a) 1% to the Montana historical society to be used for the installation or maintenance of roadside historical signs and historic sites;

(b) 2.5% to the university system for the establishment and maintenance of a Montana travel research program;

(c) 6.5% to the department of fish, wildlife, and parks commerce for the maintenance by the state parks and recreation board of facilities in state parks that have both resident and nonresident use;

(d) 64.9% to be used directly by the department of commerce;

(e) (i) except as provided in subsection (2)(e)(ii), 22.5% to be distributed by the department to regional nonprofit tourism corporations in the ratio of the proceeds collected in each tourism region to the total proceeds collected statewide; and

(ii) if 22.5% of the proceeds collected annually within the limits of a city, consolidated city-county, resort area, or resort area district exceeds $35,000, 50% of the amount available for distribution to the regional nonprofit tourism corporation in the region where the city, consolidated city-county, resort area, or resort area district is located, to be distributed to the nonprofit convention and visitors bureau in that city, consolidated city-county, resort area, or resort area district; and

(f) 2.6% to the Montana historical interpretation state special revenue account established in 22-3-115.

(3) If a city, consolidated city-county, resort area, or resort area district qualifies under this section for funds but fails to either recognize a nonprofit convention and visitors bureau or submit and gain approval for an annual marketing plan as required in 15-65-122, then those funds must be allocated to the regional nonprofit tourism corporation in the region in which the city, consolidated city-county, resort area, or resort area district is located.

(4) If a regional nonprofit tourism corporation fails to submit and gain approval for an annual marketing plan as required in 15-65-122, then those funds otherwise allocated to the regional nonprofit tourism corporation may be used by the department of commerce for tourism promotion and promotion of the state as a location for the production of motion pictures and television commercials.

(5) The tax proceeds received that are transferred to a state special revenue account pursuant to subsections (2)(a) through (2)(e) are statutorily appropriated to the entities as provided in 17-7-502.

(6) The tax proceeds received that are transferred to the Montana historical interpretation state special revenue account pursuant to subsection (2)(f) are subject to appropriation by the legislature."

Section 26. Section 16-4-210, MCA, is amended to read:

"16-4-210. Resort license -- tour boat endorsement. (1) A holder of a resort all-beverages license issued under 16-4-202 may be issued a tour boat endorsement to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages to passengers on boats at least 40 feet in length and equipped to carry at least 50 passengers.

(2) The endorsement must be issued upon written application to the department and submission of an annual fee of $200. The applicant must also submit proof:

(a) of compliance with the following requirements:

(i) county health department inspection and approval of food services offered on the boat;

(ii) inspection and approval by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks of boat safety equipment requirements;

(iii) current boat registration; and

(iv) business liability insurance coverage; and

(b) that the registered owner of the tour boat is:

(i) a resort all-beverages licensee;

(ii) an individual named on a resort all-beverages license; or

(iii) a stockholder owning 10% or more of any class of stock in a corporate resort all-beverages license.

(3) Alcoholic beverages may be sold pursuant to the endorsement authorized in subsection (1) only while the boat is underway within 30 miles of the resort boundary or is in preparation for scheduled departure. Except as provided in this subsection, no alcoholic beverages may be sold or served when the boat is secured at its or any other mooring.

(4) Sale of alcoholic beverages under the endorsement is subject to all other requirements imposed for any all-beverages license issued under this part."

Section 27. Section 17-7-161, MCA, is amended to read:

"17-7-161. Game warden positions exempt from vacancy savings. (1) Vacancy savings may not be imposed on authorized game warden positions in the department.

(2) For purposes of this section:

(a) "authorized game warden positions" means those game warden positions included in the list of current authorized positions that the department is required to maintain under 2-18-206;

(b) "department" means the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks established in 2-15-3401; and

(c) "vacancy savings" means the difference between the cost of fully funding authorized positions for an entire fiscal year and the actual cost of funding those authorized positions during that fiscal year."

Section 28. Section 17-7-502, MCA, is amended to read:

"17-7-502. Statutory appropriations -- definition -- requisites for validity. (1) A statutory appropriation is an appropriation made by permanent law that authorizes spending by a state agency without the need for a biennial legislative appropriation or budget amendment.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (4), to be effective, a statutory appropriation must comply with both of the following provisions:

(a) The law containing the statutory authority must be listed in subsection (3).

(b) The law or portion of the law making a statutory appropriation must specifically state that a statutory appropriation is made as provided in this section.

(3) The following laws are the only laws containing statutory appropriations: 2-17-105; 5-11-120; 5-11-407; 5-13-403; 7-4-2502; 10-1-108; 10-1-1202; 10-1-1303; 10-2-603; 10-3-203; 10-3-310; 10-3-312; 10-3-314; 10-4-301; 15-1-121; 15-1-218; 15-35-108; 15-36-332; 15-37-117; 15-39-110; 15-65-121; 15-70-101; 15-70-433; 15-70-601; 16-11-509; 17-3-106; 17-3-112; 17-3-212; 17-3-222; 17-3-241; 17-6-101; 17-7-215; 18-11-112; 19-3-319; 19-6-404; 19-6-410; 19-9-702; 19-13-604; 19-17-301; 19-18-512; 19-19-305; 19-19-506; 19-20-604; 19-20-607; 19-21-203; 20-8-107; 20-9-517; 20-9-520; 20-9-534; 20-9-622; 20-9-905; 20-26-617; 20-26-1503; 22-1-327; 22-3-116; 22-3-117; 22-3-1004; [section 50]; [section 51]; [SECTION 53]; [SECTION 54]; 23-4-105; 23-5-306; 23-5-409; 23-5-612; 23-7-301; 23-7-402; 30-10-1004; 37-43-204; 37-50-209; 37-51-501; 39-71-503; 41-5-2011; 42-2-105; 44-4-1101; 44-12-213; 44-13-102; 50-1-115; 53-1-109; 53-6-1304; 53-9-113; 53-24-108; 53-24-206; 60-11-115; 61-3-415; 69-3-870; 75-1-1101; 75-5-1108; 75-6-214; 75-11-313; 76-13-150; 76-13-416; 77-1-108; 77-2-362; 80-2-222; 80-4-416; 80-11-518; 81-1-112; 81-7-106; 81-10-103; 82-11-161; 85-20-1504; 85-20-1505; [85-25-102]; 87-1-603; 90-1-115; 90-1-205; 90-1-504; 90-3-1003; 90-6-331; and 90-9-306.

(4) There is a statutory appropriation to pay the principal, interest, premiums, and costs of issuing, paying, and securing all bonds, notes, or other obligations, as due, that have been authorized and issued pursuant to the laws of Montana. Agencies that have entered into agreements authorized by the laws of Montana to pay the state treasurer, for deposit in accordance with 17-2-101 through 17-2-107, as determined by the state treasurer, an amount sufficient to pay the principal and interest as due on the bonds or notes have statutory appropriation authority for the payments. (In subsection (3): pursuant to sec. 10, Ch. 360, L. 1999, the inclusion of 19-20-604 terminates contingently when the amortization period for the teachers' retirement system's unfunded liability is 10 years or less; pursuant to sec. 10, Ch. 10, Sp. L. May 2000, secs. 3 and 6, Ch. 481, L. 2003, and sec. 2, Ch. 459, L. 2009, the inclusion of 15-35-108 terminates June 30, 2019; pursuant to sec. 73, Ch. 44, L. 2007, the inclusion of 19-6-410 terminates contingently upon the death of the last recipient eligible under 19-6-709(2) for the supplemental benefit provided by 19-6-709; pursuant to sec. 5, Ch. 442, L. 2009, the inclusion of 90-6-331 terminates June 30, 2019; pursuant to sec. 16, Ch. 58, L. 2011, the inclusion of 30-10-1004 terminates June 30, 2017; pursuant to sec. 6, Ch. 61, L. 2011, the inclusion of 76-13-416 terminates June 30, 2019; pursuant to sec. 13, Ch. 339, L. 2011, the inclusion of 81-1-112 and 81-7-106 terminates June 30, 2017; pursuant to sec. 11(2), Ch. 17, L. 2013, the inclusion of 17-3-112 terminates on occurrence of contingency; pursuant to sec. 5, Ch. 244, L. 2013, the inclusion of 22-1-327 terminates July 1, 2017; pursuant to sec. 27, Ch. 285, L. 2015, and sec. 1, Ch. 292, L. 2015, the inclusion of 53-9-113 terminates June 30, 2021; pursuant to sec. 6, Ch. 291, L. 2015, the inclusion of 50-1-115 terminates June 30, 2021; pursuant to sec. 28, Ch. 368, L. 2015, the inclusion of 53-6-1304 terminates June 30, 2019; pursuant to sec. 5, Ch. 383, L. 2015, the inclusion of 85-25-102 is effective on occurrence of contingency; pursuant to sec. 5, Ch. 422, L. 2015, the inclusion of 17-7-215 terminates June 30, 2021; pursuant to sec. 6, Ch. 423, L. 2015, the inclusion of 22-3-116 and 22-3-117 terminates June 30, 2025; pursuant to sec. 10, Ch. 427, L. 2015, the inclusion of 37-50-209 terminates September 30, 2019; and pursuant to sec. 33, Ch. 457, L. 2015, the inclusion of 20-9-905 terminates December 31, 2023.)"

Section 29. Section 18-2-301, MCA, is amended to read:

"18-2-301. Bids required -- advertising. (1) It is unlawful for any offices, departments, institutions, or any agent of the state of Montana acting for or in behalf of the state to do, to cause to be done, or to let any contract for the construction of buildings or the alteration and improvement of buildings and adjacent grounds on behalf of and for the benefit of the state when the amount involved is $75,000 or more without first advertising in at least one issue each week for 3 consecutive weeks in two newspapers published in the state, one of which must be published at the seat of government and the other in the county where the work is to be performed, calling for sealed bids to perform the work and stating the time and place bids will be considered.

(2) All work may be done, caused to be done, or contracted for only after competitive bidding.

(3) If responsible bids are not received after two attempts, the department or agency may contract for the work in a manner determined to be cost-effective for the state.

(4) This section does not apply to work done by inmates at an institution in the department of corrections.

(5) (a) The provisions of Montana law governing advertising and competitive bidding do not apply when the department of fish, wildlife, and parks state parks and recreation board is preserving or restoring the historic buildings and resources that it owns at Bannack if:

(i) the options listed in subsection (5)(b) are determined to be more cost-effective for the state; and

(ii) the implementation of the options listed in subsection (5)(b) is necessary to save historic buildings and resources from degradation and loss.

(b) For the preservation or restoration of historic buildings and resources at Bannack when the conditions listed in subsection (5)(a) are met, the department of fish, wildlife, and parks state parks and recreation board may accomplish the preservation or restoration through:

(i) a memorandum of understanding with a local, state, or federal entity or nonprofit organization when the entity or organization demonstrates the competence, knowledge, and qualifications to preserve or restore historic resources;

(ii) the use of qualified and trained department of fish, wildlife, and parks employees and volunteers;

(iii) a training program in historic preservation and restoration conducted by a qualified local, state, or federal entity or a qualified nonprofit organization; or

(iv) any combination of the options described in this subsection (5)(b)."

Section 30. Section 19-8-101, MCA, is amended to read:

"19-8-101. Definitions. Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply in this chapter:

(1) (a) "Compensati on" means remuneration paid from funds controlled by an employer in payment for the member's services or for time during which the member is excused from work because the member has taken compensatory leave, sick leave, annual leave, banked holiday time, or a leave of absence before any pretax deductions allowed by state or federal law are made.

(b) Compensation does not include:

(i) maintenance, allowances, and expenses; or

(ii) bonuses provided after July 1, 2013, that are one-time, temporary payments in addition to and not considered part of base pay.

(2) (a) "Highest average compensation" means:

(i) for members hired prior to July 1, 2011, the highest average monthly compensation during any 36 consecutive months of membership service;

(ii) for members hired on or after July 1, 2011, the highest average monthly compensation during any 60 consecutive months of membership service; or

(iii) in the event a member has not served the minimum specified period of membership service, the total compensation earned divided by the number of months of service.

(b) Lump-sum payments for severance pay, including payment for compensatory leave, sick leave, annual leave, and banked holiday time, paid to the member upon termination of employment may be used in the calculation of a retirement benefit only to the extent that they are used to replace, on a month-for-month basis, the normal compensation for a month or months included in the calculation of the highest average compensation. A lump-sum payment may not be added to a single month's compensation.

(c) Excess earnings limits must be applied to the calculation of the highest average compensation pursuant to 19-2-1005(2).

(3) "Game warden" means a state fish and game warden hired by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks and includes all warden supervisory personnel whose salaries or compensation is paid out of the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks money.

(4) "Motor carrier officer" means an employee of the department of transportation designated or appointed as a peace officer pursuant to 61-10-154 or 61-12-201.

(5) "Peace officer" or "state peace officer" means a person who by virtue of the person's employment with the state is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or make arrests for offenses while acting within the scope of the person's authority or who is charged with specific law enforcement responsibilities on behalf of the state."

Section 31. Section 19-8-301, MCA, is amended to read:

"19-8-301. Membership -- inactive vested members -- inactive nonvested members. (1) Except as provided in 19-8-302, the following state peace officers must be covered under the game wardens' and peace officers' retirement system and, beginning on the first day of employment, must become and shall remain active members for as long as they are employed as peace officers:

(a) game wardens who are assigned to law enforcement in the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks;

(b) motor carrier officers employed by the department of transportation;

(d) wardens and deputy wardens employed by the department of corrections;

(e) corrections officers employed by the department of corrections;

(f) probation and parole officers employed by the department of corrections;

(g) stock inspectors and detectives employed by the department of livestock; and

(h) drill instructors employed by the department of corrections.

(2) (a) An inactive member with at least 5 years of membership service is an inactive vested member and retains the right to purchase service credit and to receive a retirement benefit under the provisions of this chapter.

(b) If an inactive vested member chooses to take a lump-sum payment rather than a retirement benefit, the lump-sum payment consists of only the member's accumulated contributions and not the employer's contributions.

(3) (a) An inactive member with less than 5 years of membership service is an inactive nonvested member and is not eligible for any benefits from the retirement system.

(b) An inactive nonvested member is eligible only for a refund of the member's accumulated contributions."

Section 32. Section 19-8-501, MCA, is amended to read:

"19-8-501. Contributions to pension trust fund. The following must be paid to the board and must be credited to the pension trust fund:

(1) all contributions by the state from department of fish, and wildlife, and parks money;

(2) all contributions by the state game wardens; and

(3) all interest on and increase of the investments and money in the pension trust fund."

Section 33. Section 19-8-504, MCA, is amended to read:

"19-8-504. Employer's contribution. The employer shall pay as employer contributions 9% of the compensation paid to all of the employer's employees, except those properly excluded from membership. The department of fish, and wildlife, and parks shall include in its budget and shall request for legislative appropriation an amount necessary to defray the state's portion of the costs of this section."

Section 34. Section 20-7-132, MCA, is amended to read:

"20-7-132. Firearms safety education. The trustees of a district are encouraged to establish and maintain a firearms safety education course. The trustees may adopt a course of instruction developed by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks, a law enforcement agency, or a firearms association as its firearms safety education course. Instructors from the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks, a law enforcement agency, or a firearms association or a person recognized by the trustees as having expertise in firearms safety education may be used to provide the instruction."

Section 35. Section 22-3-1002, MCA, is amended to read:

"22-3-1002. Montana heritage preservation and development commission. (1) There is a Montana heritage preservation and development commission. The commission is attached to the department of commerce for administrative purposes only, pursuant to 2-15-121. The commission and the department shall negotiate a specific indirect administrative rate annually, with biennial review by a designated, appropriate legislative interim committee.

(2) (a) The commission consists of 14 members. The members shall broadly represent the state. Nine members must be appointed by the governor, one member must be appointed by the president of the senate, and one member must be appointed by the speaker of the house.

(b) If the president of the senate and the speaker of the house do not appoint the members for which they are responsible within 6 months of a vacancy having occurred in those positions, the members must be appointed by the governor.

(c) The director of the Montana historical society, the director of the department of fish, wildlife, and parks executive director of state parks and recreation, and the director of the department of commerce shall serve as members. Of the members appointed by the governor under subsection (2)(a):

(i) one member must have extensive experience in managing facilities that cater to the needs of tourists;

(ii) one member must have experience in community planning;

(iii) one member must have experience in historic preservation;

(iv) two members must have broad experience in business;

(v) one member must be a member of the tourism advisory council established in 2-15-1816;

(vi) one member must be a Montana historian; and

(vii) two members must be from the public at large.

(3) Except for the initial appointments, members appointed by the governor under subsection (2)(a) shall serve 3-year terms. Members appointed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house or by the governor under subsection (2)(b) shall serve 2-year terms. If a vacancy occurs, the appointing authority shall make an appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.

(4) (a) The commission may employ:

(i) an executive director who has general responsibility for the selection and management of commission staff, developing recommendations for the purchase of property, and overseeing the management of acquired property;

(ii) a curator who is responsible for the display and preservation of the acquired property; and

(iii) other staff that the commission and the executive director determine are necessary to manage and operate commission properties.

(b) The commission shall prescribe the duties and annual salary of the executive director, the curator, and other commission staff."

Section 36. Section 22-3-1003, MCA, is amended to read:

"22-3-1003. Powers of commission -- contracts -- rules. (1) (a) The Montana heritage preservation and development commission may contract with private organizations to assist in carrying out the purpose of 22-3-1001. The term of a contract may not exceed 20 years.

(b) The provisions of Title 18 may not be construed as prohibiting contracts under this section from being let by direct negotiation. The contracts may be entered into directly with a vendor and are not subject to state procurement laws.

(c) Architectural and engineering review and approval do not apply to the historic renovation projects or projects at historic sites unless stated in specific state appropriations for construction permitted under the commission's jurisdiction.

(d) The contracts must provide for the payment of prevailing wages.

(e) A contract for supplies or services, or both, may be negotiated in accordance with commission rules.

(f) Management activities must be undertaken to encourage the operation of properties in a manner that results in economic stability.

(g) Contracts may include the lease of property managed by the commission. Provisions for the renewal of a contract must be contained in the contract.

(2) (a) Except as provided in subsection (2)(b), the commission may not contract for the construction of a building, as defined in 18-2-101, in excess of $300,000 without the consent of the legislature. Building construction must be in conformity with applicable guidelines developed by the national park service of the U.S. department of the interior, the Montana historical society, and the Montana department of fish, wildlife, and parks Montana state parks and recreation board. Funding for these projects must pass through directly to the commission.

(b) The commission may contract for the preservation, stabilization, or maintenance of existing structures or buildings for an amount that exceeds $300,000 without legislative consent if the commission determines that waiting for legislative consent would cause unnecessary damage to the structures or buildings or would result in a significant increase in cost to conduct those activities in the future.

(3) (a) Subject to subsection (3)(b), the commission, as part of a contract, shall require that a portion of any profit be reinvested in the property and that a portion be used to pay the administrative costs of the property and the commission.

(b) The commission shall deposit the portion of profits not used for administrative costs and restoration of the properties in the general fund.

(4) The commission may solicit funds from other sources, including the federal government, for the management and operation of properties.

(5) (a) The commission may use volunteers to further the purposes of this part.

(b) The commission and volunteers stand in the relationship of employer and employee for purposes of and as those terms are defined in Title 39, chapter 71. The commission shall provide each volunteer with workers' compensation coverage, as provided in Title 39, chapter 71, during the course of the volunteer's assistance.

(6) Volunteers are not salaried employees and are not entitled to wages and benefits. The commission may, in its discretion, reimburse volunteers for their otherwise uncompensated out-of-pocket expenses, including but not limited to their expenditures for transportation, food, and lodging.

(7) The commission shall establish a subcommittee composed of an equal number of members of the Montana historical society board of trustees and commission members to review and recommend the sale of personal property from the former Bovey assets acquired by the 55th legislature. A recommendation to sell may be presented to the commission only if the recommendation is supported by a majority of the members of the subcommittee.

(8) The commission shall adopt rules establishing a policy for making acquisitions and sales of real and personal property. With respect to each acquisition or sale, the policy must give consideration to:

(a) whether the property represents the state's culture and history;

(b) whether the property can become economically stable;

(d) whether the property lends itself to programs to interpret Montana history;

(e) whether the acquisition or sale will create significant social and economic impacts to affected local governments and the state;

(f) whether the sale is supported by the director of the Montana historical society;

(g) whether the commission should include any preservation covenants in a proposed sale agreement for real property;

(h) whether the commission should incorporate any design review ordinances established by Virginia City into a proposed sale agreement for real property; and

(i) other matters that the commission considers necessary or appropriate.

(9) Except as provided in subsection (11), the proceeds of any sale under subsection (8) must be placed in the account established in 22-3-1004.

(10) Public notice and the opportunity for a hearing must be given in the geographical area of a proposed acquisition or sale of real property before a final decision to acquire or sell the property is made. The commission shall approve proposals for acquisition or sale of real property and recommend the approved proposal to the board of land commissioners.

(11) The commission, working with the board of investments, may establish trust funds to benefit historic properties. Interest from any trust fund established under this subsection must be used to preserve and manage assets owned by the commission.

(12) Prior to the convening of each regular session, the commission shall report to the governor and the legislature, as provided in 5-11-210, concerning financial activities during the prior biennium, including the acquisition or sale of any assets."

Section 37. Section 23-1-101, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-101. Purposes -- definitions. (1) For the purposes of conserving the scenic, historic, archaeologic, scientific, and recreational resources of the state, providing for their use and enjoyment, and contributing to the cultural, recreational, and economic life of the people and their health, the department and board are vested with the duties and powers set forth in this part.

(2) For the purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:

(a) "Board" means the state parks and recreation board established in 2-15-3406 [section 1].

(b) "Commission" means the fish and wildlife commission established in 2-15-3402.

(c)(b) "Department" means the department of fish, wildlife, and parks commerce established in 2-15-3401 2-15-1801.

(d) "Director" means the director of fish, wildlife, and parks as provided in 2-15-3401.

(c) "Executive director" means the executive director of state parks and recreation hired by the board pursuant to [section 1]."

Section 38. Section 23-1-102, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-102. Powers and duties of department Acceptance of gifts and other funds or property. (1) The department shall make a study to determine the scenic, historic, archaeologic, scientific, and recreational resources of the state. The department may:

(a) by purchase, lease, agreement, or acceptance of donations acquire for the state any areas, sites, or objects that in its opinion should be held, improved, and maintained as state parks, state recreational areas, state monuments, or state historic sites;

(b) with the consent of the board, acquire by condemnation, pursuant to Title 70, chapter 30, lands or structures for the purposes provided in 87-1-209(2);

(d) accept in the name of the state, in fee or otherwise, any areas, sites, or objects conveyed, entrusted, donated, or devised to the state; and

(e) lease those portions of designated lands that are necessary for the proper administration of the lands in keeping with the basic purposes of this part.

(2) The department may accept gifts, grants, bequests, or contributions of money or other property to be spent or used for any of the purposes of this part.

(3) A contract, for any of the purposes of this part, may not be entered into or another obligation incurred until money has been appropriated by the legislature or is otherwise available. If the contract or obligation pertains to acquisition of areas or sites in excess of either 100 acres or $100,000 in value, the board of land commissioners shall specifically approve the acquisition.

(4) The department has jurisdiction, custody, and control of all state parks, recreational areas, public camping grounds, historic sites, and monuments, except wayside camps and other public conveniences acquired, improved, and maintained by the department of transportation and contiguous to the state highway system. The department may designate lands under its control as state parks, state historic sites, state monuments, or any other designation that it considers appropriate. The department may remove or change the designation of any area or portion of an area and may name or change the name of any area."

Section 39. Section 23-1-105, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-105. Fees and charges -- use of motor vehicle registration fee. (1) The department board may levy and collect reasonable fees or other charges for the use of privileges and conveniences that may be provided and to may grant concessions that it considers advisable, except as provided in subsections (2) and (6). All money derived from the activities of the department board, except as provided in subsection (5), must be deposited in the state treasury in a state special revenue fund to the credit of the department and used for the purposes of this part.

(2) Overnight camping fees established by the department under subsection (1) must be discounted 50% for a campsite rented by a person who is a resident of Montana, as defined in 87-2-102, and is either 62 years of age or older or certified as disabled in accordance with rules adopted by the department board.

(3) For a violation of any a fee collection rule involving a vehicle, the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation is personally responsible if an adult is not in the vehicle at the time the violation is discovered by an authorized officer. A defense that the vehicle was driven into the fee area by another person is not allowable unless it is shown that at that time, time the vehicle was being used without the consent of the registered owner.

(4) Money received from the collection of fees and charges is subject to the deposit requirements of 17-6-105(6) unless the department has submitted and received approval for a modified deposit schedule pursuant to 17-6-105(8).

(5) There is a fund of the enterprise fund type, as defined in 17-2-102(2)(a), for the purpose of managing state park visitor services revenue. The fund is to be used by the department board to serve the recreating public by providing for the obtaining of inventory through purchase, production, or donation and for the sale of educational, commemorative, and interpretive merchandise and other related goods and services at department sites and facilities administered pursuant to this part. The fund consists of money from the sale of educational, commemorative, and interpretive merchandise and other related goods and services and from donations. Gross revenue from the sale of educational, commemorative, and interpretive merchandise and other related goods and services must be deposited in the fund. All interest and earnings on money deposited in the fund must be credited to the fund for use as provided in this subsection.

(6) In recognition of the fact that individuals support state parks through the payment of certain motor vehicle registration fees, persons who pay the fee provided for in 61-3-321(19)(a) may not be required to pay a day-use fee for access to state parks. Other fees for the use of state parks and fishing access sites, such as overnight camping fees, are still chargeable and may be collected by the department.

(7) Any increase in the motor vehicle registration fee collected pursuant to 61-3-321(19)(a) on or after January 1, 2012, that is dedicated to state parks must be used by the department for maintenance and operation of state parks."

SECTION 40. SECTION 23-1-106, MCA, IS AMENDED TO READ:

"23-1-106. Rules -- penalties -- enforcement. (1) The department and the board may make rules governing the use, occupancy, and protection of the property under their control.

(2) A person who violates subsection (3) or a rule established pursuant to this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than 6 months.

(3) A person may not refuse to exhibit for inspection any park permit, proof of age, or proof of residency upon request by a fish and game warden, park ranger, or peace officer, or other authorized officer of the board.

(4) The department board shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and rules implementing this chapter. The director board shall employ or enter into cooperative agreements to provide all necessary and qualified personnel for enforcement purposes.

(5) The department board is a criminal justice agency for the purpose of obtaining the technical assistance and support services provided by the board of crime control under the provisions of 44-4-301. Authorized officers of the department board are granted peace officer status with the power:

(a) of search, seizure, and arrest;

(b) to investigate activities in this state regulated by this chapter and rules of the department and the board; and

SECTION 41. SECTION 23-1-107, MCA, IS AMENDED TO READ:

"23-1-107. Cooperation. In carrying out the provisions of this part, the department board may seek and accept the cooperation of other state and local agencies and the agencies of the federal government and may assist and cooperate with other state agencies, political subdivisions of the state, with neighboring states, and with the federal government in matters relating to acquiring, planning, establishing, developing, improving, or maintaining any park, parkway, recreational area, monument, historic site, or archaeological site."

Section 42. Section 23-1-108, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-108. Acquisition of certain state parks, monuments, or historic sites. (1) Any person, association, or representative of a governing unit may submit a proposal for the acquisition of a site or area described in 23-1-102 23-1-111 from the income of the trust fund created in 15-35-108 to the department board by July 1 of the year preceding the convening of a legislative session.

(2) The board shall present to the legislature by the 15th day of any legislative session a list of areas, sites, or objects that were proposed for purchase for use as state parks, state recreational areas, state monuments, or state historic sites with the money contained in the parks account.

(3) The legislature must appropriate funds from this account before any park, area, monument, or site may be purchased."

SECTION 43. SECTION 23-1-109, MCA, IS AMENDED TO READ:

"23-1-109. Establishment of Montana agricultural center and museum of the Northern Great Plains. There is a Montana agricultural center and museum of the Northern Great Plains located in Fort Benton. The department of fish, and wildlife, and parks shall acquire the center and museum, but the department may lease the facility to a qualified local government entity or nonprofit corporation or transfer ownership of the facility to a qualified local government entity for less than fair market value for so as long as the local government entity or nonprofit corporation, as applicable, provides for development, operation, and maintenance of the center and museum without cost to the state of Montana. As part of any transfer of ownership of the facility, the department of fish, wildlife, and parks retains the right to reclaim ownership of the property at no cost to the state if the property ceases to be used as an agricultural center and museum for more than 1 year."

Section 44. Section 23-1-110, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-110. Improvement or development of state park or fishing access site -- required public involvement -- rules. (1) Any proposed improvement or development of a state park or fishing access site that significantly changes park or fishing access site features or use patterns is subject to notice of proposed modifications, both statewide and locally, and to opportunity for a public meeting and public comment on the advisability and acceptability of the proposal. Rules to govern the notice, meeting, and comment process must be adopted:

(a) for state parks by the board; and

(b) for fishing access sites by the commission.

(2) The department board shall prepare a public report regarding any project that is subject to the provisions of subsection (1). The report must include conclusions relating to the following aspects of the proposal:

(a) the desires of the public as expressed to the department board;

(b) the capacity of the park or fishing access site for development;

(d) the long-range maintenance of the improvements;

(e) the protection of natural, cultural, and historical park or fishing access site features;

(f) potential impacts on tourism; and

(g) site-specific modifications as they relate to the park or fishing access site system as a whole."

Section 45. Section 23-1-111, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-111. Powers and duties of board -- rulemaking -- meetings. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), for For state parks, primitive parks, state recreational areas, public camping grounds, state historic sites, state monuments, and other heritage and recreational resources, land, and water administered pursuant to Title 23, chapter 1, and Title 23, chapter 2, parts 1, 4, 6, 8, and 9, the board shall:

(a) direct and set the policies and provide direction to the department for:

(i) the management, protection, conservation, and preservation of managing, protecting, conserving, and preserving these properties, lands, and waters and their appropriate role relative to tourism and the economic health of Montana; and

(ii) coordinating, integrating, promoting, and furthering opportunities for education and recreation at these sites, including but not limited to camping, hiking, snowmobiling, off-highway vehicle use, horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, and swimming;

(b) work with the fish and wildlife commission established in 2-15-3402 to maintain hunting and angling opportunities on these lands and waters;

(c) establish the rules of the department governing the use of these properties and lands. The rules must be adopted in the interest of public health, public safety, public welfare, and protection of property and public resources in regulating recreation, including picnicking, camping, and swimming, and sanitation. These rules are subject to review and approval by the department of public health and human services with regard to issues of public health and sanitation before becoming effective. Copies of the rules must show that endorsement.

(d) review and approve all acquisitions or transfers of interest in these properties, lands, and waters by the department, except as provided in 87-1-209(4) [section 47(4) 50(4)];

(e) review and approve the budget of the department for the administration of these properties, lands, and waters prior to its transmittal to the office of budget and program planning;

(f) review and approve construction projects that have an estimated cost of more than $5,000;

(g) work with local, state, and federal agencies to evaluate, integrate, coordinate, and promote recreational opportunities statewide; and

(h) encourage citizen involvement in management planning for these properties, lands, and waters.

(2) Pursuant to 87-1-301(1), the board does not oversee department activities related to the administration of fishing access sites.

(2) A contract, for any purposes of this part, may not be entered into or another obligation may not be incurred until money has been appropriated by the legislature or is otherwise available.

(3) The board may enter into cooperative agreements with the department of fish and wildlife and any other state, city, county, or other governmental unit to carry out and enforce the provisions of Title 23, chapter 2, parts 1, 4, 6, 8, and 9, and this part. This includes funding agreements for management of property and land administered by the board.

(4) The board may lease:

(a) the portions of designated lands needed for the proper administration of the lands in keeping with the basic purposes of this part; and

(b) land that it administers in exchange for services to be provided by the lessee.

(5) The board may enter into a contract for concessions or visitor services pursuant to 18-4-313(2)(e).

(6) The board shall, in accordance with [section 51 54], address fire mitigation and pine beetle infestation, giving priority to forested lands in excess of 50 contiguous acres in any state park.

(7) The board may designate lands it administers pursuant to this part as state parks, state historic sites, state monuments, or another designation that it considers appropriate. The board may remove or change the designation of an area or portion of an area and may name or change the name of an area.

(8) The board does not oversee wayside camps and other public conveniences acquired, improved, and maintained by the department of transportation and contiguous to the state highway system.

(3)(9) The members of the board shall hold quarterly or other meetings for the transaction of business at times and places considered necessary and proper. The meetings must be called by the presiding officer or by a majority of the board and must be held at the time and place specified in the call for the meeting. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of any business. The board shall keep a record of all the business it transacts. The presiding officer and secretary shall sign all orders, minutes, or documents for the board."

Section 46. Section 23-1-122, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-122. Enforcement powers of park rangers and game wardens authorized officers. (1) Park rangers appointed pursuant to 23-1-121 and fish and game wardens appointed pursuant to 87-1-501 any persons authorized under cooperative agreements pursuant to 23-1-111(3) are authorized officers of the board with the authority to enforce the laws and adopted rules relating to parks and outdoor recreation contained in chapters 1 and 2 of this title, except chapter 2, part 7 Title 23, chapter 1, and Title 23, chapter 2, parts 1, 4, 6, 8, and 9.

(2) An authorized officer may:

(a) arrest, in accordance with Title 46, chapter 6, any person within an area managed by the department board upon probable cause to believe that the person has committed an offense against chapters 1 and 2 of this title, except chapter 2, part 7, violated a provision of Title 23, chapter 1, or Title 23, chapter 2, parts 1, 4, 6, 8, and 9, or rules of the department, the board, or the commission;

(b) enforce the disorderly conduct and public nuisance laws under 45-8-101 and 45-8-111 as they apply to the operation of motorboats on waters within areas managed by the department board under this part; and

(i) laws relating to parks and outdoor recreation contained in chapters 1 and 2 of this title, except chapter 2, part 7 Title 23, chapter 1, and Title 23, chapter 2, parts 1, 4, 6, 8, and 9;

(ii) rules of the department, the board, and the commission; and

(iii) judgments obtained for violations of the laws and rules specified in this subsection (2)(c)."

Section 47. Section 23-1-126, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-126. Good neighbor policy -- public recreational lands. (1) The good neighbor policy of public land use, as applied to public recreational lands, seeks a goal of no impact upon adjoining private and public lands by preventing impact on those adjoining lands from noxious weeds, trespass, litter, noise and light pollution, streambank erosion, and loss of privacy.

(2) In order to implement the good neighbor policy expeditiously, the legislature finds it necessary to require the department of fish, wildlife, and parks board to place maintenance as a priority over additional development at all state parks and fishing access sites.

(3) The restriction in subsection (2) does not apply to:

(a) development and improvement projects for which the legislature has appropriated funds prior to October 1, 1999;

(b)(a) activities directly related to the historic preservation, restoration, or protection of assets in state parks;

(c) at the discretion of the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, projects on the Missouri reach of the Missouri-Madison hydropower project or the Clark Fork basin hydropower project, undertaken pursuant to the federal energy regulatory commission's hydropower relicensing requirements and in conjunction with private entities, political subdivisions of the state of Montana, and federal agencies;

(d) at the discretion of the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, projects on Fort Peck reservoir undertaken in conjunction with the U.S. army corps of engineers; or

(e)(b) partnership projects as designated within the park master plan.

(4) Any development in state parks and fishing access sites beyond those that defined as maintenance in 23-1-127 must be approved by the legislature."

Section 48. Section 23-1-127, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-127. Maintenance priority -- maintenance defined. With regard to state parks and fishing access sites, implementation of the good neighbor policy requires that priority is to be given to maintenance of existing facilities, rather than to development or improvement. For purposes of 23-1-126 and this section, "maintenance" means:

(1) placing, cleaning, and stocking of latrines;

(2) garbage and litter removal;

(3) fence installation and repair of existing fences;

(4) weed control;

(5) implementation of safety and health measures required by law to protect the public;

(6) upkeep of established trails, roads, parking areas, boat docks, and similar facilities existing in state parks and fishing access sites on October 1, 1999;

(7) in-kind replacement of existing facilities, including electric lines or facilities, or replacement of those existing facilities with facilities that have less impact on the state park or fishing access site;

(8) erosion control;

(9) streambank stabilization;

(10) erection of barriers necessary to preserve riparian vegetation and habitat;

(11) minimal signage necessary to inform users of appropriate state park or fishing access site use and applicable regulations and of historical, natural, cultural, geographical, and geological features in the area;

(12) measures necessary to ensure compliance with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, when applicable;

(13) planting of native trees, grasses, and shrubs for habitat stabilization and privacy shielding;

(14) installation of fire rings, picnic tables, and trash collection facilities; and

(15) other necessary activities and expenditures consistent with the good neighbor policy and the intent of 23-1-126, 23-1-128, and this section, including new trails, new boat ramps, and necessary new access roads into and within the state park or fishing access site."

Section 49. Section 23-1-128, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-128. Limits on camping in riparian areas and operation of off-highway vehicles. (1) In order to protect riparian vegetation, provide for stable streambanks, reduce erosion, and provide for nutrient barriers to protect the quality of rivers and streams, camping in a motor vehicle, as defined in 61-1-101, is discouraged within 25 feet of a river or stream in state parks and fishing access sites.

(2) The operation of an off-highway vehicle, as defined in 23-2-801, within state parks and fishing access sites is prohibited except:

(a) for administrative purposes; or

(b) as designated by the department board on roads, trails, or specific areas."

NEW SECTION. Section 50. Land acquisition -- notice. (1) The board shall make a study to determine the scenic, historic, archaeologic, scientific, and recreational resources of the state. Except as provided in subsection (4) and subject to the provisions of subsection (5), the board may:

(b) acquire by condemnation, pursuant to Title 70, chapter 30, lands or structures for the preservation of historic or archaeologic sites that are threatened with destruction or alteration; and

(c) accept in the name of the state, in fee or otherwise, any areas, sites, or objects conveyed, entrusted, donated, or devised to the state for the purposes of this part.

(2) For all land acquisitions proposed pursuant to this section, the board shall provide notice to the board of county commissioners in the county where the proposed acquisition is located at least 30 days before the proposed acquisition appears before the board for its consent. The notice must include:

(a) a description of the proposed acquisition, including acreage and the use proposed by the board;

(b) an estimate of the measures and costs the board plans to undertake to further the proposed use, including operating, staffing, and maintenance costs;

(c) an estimate of the property taxes payable on the proposed acquisition and a statement that if the board acquires the land, pursuant to [section 50 53], the board will pay a sum equal to the amount of taxes that would be payable on the county assessment of the property if it was taxable to a private citizen; and

(d) a draft agenda of the meeting at which the proposed acquisition will be presented to the board and information on how the board of county commissioners may provide comment.

(3) For all land acquisitions of 640 acres or more, the board shall also:

(a) conduct a public scoping process to identify issues and concerns as the initial phase of an environmental review pursuant to Title 75, chapter 1, part 2;

(b) provide the public with sufficient notice of the proposed acquisition and an opportunity to offer input on reasonable alternatives, mitigation alternatives, mitigation measures, issues, and potential impacts to be addressed in the environmental review; and

(4) (a) When necessary and advisable for the management and use of property, the executive director is authorized to grant or acquire from willing sellers right-of-way easements for utilities, roads, drainage facilities, ditches for water conveyance, and pipelines if the full market value of the interest to be acquired is less than $20,000. Whenever possible, easements must include a weed management plan.

(b) Approval of the board is not required for grants and acquisitions made pursuant to this subsection (4).

(c) In granting any right-of-way pursuant to this subsection (4), the executive director shall obtain a fair market value but is not otherwise required to follow the disposal requirements of [section 48 51].

(d) The executive director shall report any easement grant or acquisition made pursuant to this subsection (4) to the board at its next regular meeting.

(5) In the case of an acquisition involving more than 100 acres or more than $100,000 in value, the acquisition must be specifically approved by the board of land commissioners.

NEW SECTION. Section 51. Disposal of land -- notice -- disposition of proceeds. (1) (a) The board may dispose of lands and water rights acquired by it on those terms after public notice as required by subsection (2), without regard to other laws that provide for sale or disposal of state lands and with or without reservation, as it considers necessary and advisable.

(b) The executive director, with the consent of the board, may convey lands and water rights administered by the board for full market value to other governmental entities or to adjacent landowners without regard to the requirements of subsection (2) if the land is less than 10 acres or if the full market value of the interest to be conveyed is less than $20,000.

(c) When land or water rights are conveyed to another governmental entity or to an adjacent landowner pursuant to subsection (1)(a), the executive director, in addition to giving notice pursuant to subsection (2)(a), shall give notice by mail to the landowners whose property adjoins the property being conveyed.

(2) (a) Notice of sale describing the lands or waters to be disposed of must be published once a week for 3 consecutive weeks in a newspaper with general circulation printed and published in the county where the lands or waters are situated or, if a newspaper is not published in that county, then in a newspaper with general circulation in that county.

(b) The notice must advertise for cash bids to be presented to the executive director within 60 days from the date of the first publication. Each bid must be accompanied by a cashier's check or cash deposit in an amount equal to 10% of the amount bid. The highest bid must be accepted upon payment of the balance due within 10 days after mailing notice by certified mail to the highest bidder. If that bidder defaults on payment of the balance due, then the next highest bidders must be similarly notified in succession until a sale is completed. Deposits must be returned to the unsuccessful bidders except bidders defaulting after notification.

(c) The board shall reserve the right to reject bids that do not equal or exceed the full market value of the lands and waters as determined by the board. If the board does not receive a bid that equals or exceeds fair market value, the board may then sell the lands and water rights at private sale. The price accepted on a private sale must exceed the highest bid rejected in the bid process.

(3) The board shall convey lands and water rights without covenants of warranty by deed executed by the governor or in the governor's absence or disability by the lieutenant governor, attested by the secretary of state and further countersigned by the executive director.

(4) Money received from the sale or lease of lands administered by the board must be deposited in the state special revenue fund in the account established for miscellaneous funds received for state parks and may be used only for the purposes of Title 23, chapter 1.

NEW SECTION. Section 52. Posting of land use regulations. Site-specific land use regulations applicable to a particular state park or other land administered by the board, including but not limited to speed limits, road and off-road restrictions or closures, places where camping is allowed or prohibited, and seasonal closures for management purposes, must be indicated to the public by signs on the premises of the particular state park or other land administered by the board.

NEW SECTION. Section 53. Payments to counties for state park land -- exceptions. (1) This section applies only to state park land purchased after May 10, 2009.

(2) Before November 30 of each year, the treasurer of each county in which the board administers state park land purchased after May 10, 2009, shall describe the land, state the number of acres in each parcel, and request the drawing of a warrant to the county in a sum equal to the amount of taxes that would be payable on county assessment of the property if it was taxable to a private citizen.

(3) (a) The executive director shall approve or disapprove the request. The executive director may disapprove a request only if the executive director finds it to be inconsistent with this section.

(b) If the executive director disapproves a request, the executive director shall return it with an explanation detailing the reasons for the disapproval to the appropriate county treasurer for correction.

(c) If the executive director approves a request, the executive director shall transmit it to the department of administration, which shall draw a warrant payable to the county in the amount shown on the request and shall send the warrant to the county treasurer. The warrant is payable out of any funds credited to the department for the administration of state parks.

(4) The amount to be paid to each county pursuant to this section is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502.

NEW SECTION. Section 54. Forest management on state park lands -- forest management account -- definition. (1) In order to address fire mitigation and pine beetle infestation on land that it administers, the board shall adopt a forest management plan based on an annual sustainable yield, giving priority to forested lands in excess of 50 contiguous acres.

(2) The annual sustainable yield must be determined through a study by a qualified independent third party, using scientific principles, pursuant to all state and federal laws.

(3) The annual timber sale on lands administered by the board to address fire mitigation and pine beetle infestation may not exceed the annual sustainable yield.

(4) The board shall review and redetermine the annual sustainable yield at least once every 5 years.

(5) (a) There is a forest management account in the special revenue fund to the credit of the department. The forest management account consists of money deposited into the account from forest management projects undertaken pursuant to this section and from any other source. Any interest earned by the account must be deposited into the account.

(b) Except as otherwise directed by state or federal law, funds from the forest management account are statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, to the board and must be used to implement forest management projects that may result pursuant to this section.

(6) For the purposes of this section, the term "annual sustainable yield" means the quantity of timber that can be harvested from forested lands administered by the board each year, taking into account the ability of forested lands to generate replacement tree growth and in accordance with state and federal laws, including but not limited to the laws pertaining to wildlife, recreation, and maintenance of watersheds, and water quality standards that protect fisheries and aquatic life and that are adopted under the provisions of Title 75, chapter 5.

Section 55. Section 23-1-201, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-201. Establishment of state scientific and recreational park. In order to preserve and protect the biological station grounds hereafter referred to and to remove fire hazards and the danger of other encroachments tending to detract from the scientific values and uses thereof of the biological station grounds, the department board is authorized to maintain a state scientific and recreational park on a suitable an area to be designated by it not exceeding greater than 15 acres at the southeast portion of the lands granted by the United States of America to the state of Montana for the use of by the university of Montana-Missoula for biological station purposes."

Section 56. Section 23-1-202, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-1-202. Rules governing use. The department board shall make such rules governing the park's use, and occupancy, and the protection of the remaining lands of the grant as necessary to promote and continue the use of all of the lands for biological station purposes. The park itself shall be so must be maintained as to develop and encourage public interest in the scientific and biological resources of the area. Nothing herein contained in this section prevents the use of the area within the park for biological station purposes whenever it becomes is useful or necessary for such purposes."

Section 57. Section 23-2-101, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-101. Legislative findings -- purpose -- definition. (1) Montana is uniquely endowed with scenic landscapes and areas rich in recreational value. This outdoor heritage enriches the lives of citizens, attracts new residents and businesses to the state, and is of major significance to the expanding tourist industry. It is the purpose of this part to give authority to the department of fish, wildlife, and parks board to plan, and develop, and manage outdoor recreational resources in the state,. which authority shall permit receiving and expending The board may receive and expend funds including federal grants for this purpose.

(2) For the purposes of this part, "board" means the state parks and recreation board established in [section 1]."

Section 58. Section 23-2-102, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-102. Department of fish, wildlife, and parks State parks and recreation board to implement federal act. The department of fish, wildlife, and parks board is hereby designated as the state agency to represent and act for the state for the purpose of implementing the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965."

Section 59. Section 23-2-103, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-103. Compliance with federal act authorized -- powers of department board. The department of fish, wildlife, and parks board shall do those things necessary to comply with the provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. Among other things, the department of fish, wildlife, and parks and may:

(1) prepare a comprehensive statewide outdoor recreational plan which shall contain an evaluation of that evaluates the demand for and supply of outdoor recreational resources and facilities in Montana and establishes a program for implementation of the plan;

(2) accept and administer moneys money paid by the secretary of the interior for approved projects;

(3) contract with other state agencies, cities, counties, and other political subdivisions of the state, private organizations, and agencies of the federal government;

(4) acquire, other than by eminent domain, and develop outdoor recreational areas and facilities and as well as land and waters and interests in land and waters for such those areas and facilities; and

(5) for the purpose of implementing the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, coordinate its activities with and represent the interests of all agencies of state, city, county, and other governmental units with outdoor recreational responsibilities."

Section 60. Section 23-2-301, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-301. Definitions. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Barrier" means an artificial obstruction located in or over a water body, restricting passage on or through the water, that totally or effectively obstructs the recreational use of the surface water at the time of use. A barrier may include but is not limited to a bridge or fence or any other artificial obstacle to the natural flow of water.

(2) "Class I waters" means surface waters, other than lakes, that:

(a) lie within the officially recorded federal government survey meander lines of the waters;

(b) flow over lands that have been judicially determined to be owned by the state by reason of application of the federal navigability test for state streambed ownership;

(c) are or have been capable of supporting the following commercial activities: log floating, transportation of furs and skins, shipping, commercial guiding using multiperson watercraft, public transportation, or the transportation of merchandise, as these activities have been defined by published judicial opinion as of April 19, 1985; or

(d) are or have been capable of supporting commercial activity within the meaning of the federal navigability test for state streambed ownership.

(3) "Class II waters" means all surface waters that are not class I waters, except lakes.

(4) "Commission" means the fish and wildlife commission provided for in 2-15-3402.

(5) "Department" means the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks provided for in 2-15-3401.

(6) "Diverted away from a natural water body" means a diversion of surface water through a constructed water conveyance system, including but not limited to:

(a) an irrigation or drainage canal or ditch;

(b) an industrial, municipal, or domestic water system, excluding the lake, stream, or reservoir from which the system obtains water;

(d) a hydropower inlet and discharge facility.

(7) "Lake" means a body of water where the surface water is retained by either natural or artificial means and the natural flow of water is substantially impeded.

(8) "Occupied dwelling" means a building used for a human dwelling at least once a year.

(9) "Ordinary high-water mark" means the line that water impresses on land by covering it for sufficient periods to cause physical characteristics that distinguish the area below the line from the area above it. Characteristics of the area below the line include, when appropriate, but are not limited to deprivation of the soil of substantially all terrestrial vegetation and destruction of its agricultural vegetative value. A flood plain adjacent to surface waters is not considered to lie within the surface waters' high-water marks.

(10) "Recreational use" means with respect to surface waters: fishing, hunting, swimming, floating in small craft or other flotation devices, boating in motorized craft unless otherwise prohibited or regulated by law, or craft propelled by oar or paddle, other water-related pleasure activities, and related unavoidable or incidental uses.

(11) "Supervisors" means the board of supervisors of a soil conservation district, the directors of a grazing district, or the board of county commissioners if a request pursuant to 23-2-311(3)(b) is not within the boundaries of a conservation district or if the request is refused by the board of supervisors of a soil conservation district or the directors of a grazing district.

(12) "Surface water" means, for the purpose of determining the public's access for recreational use, a natural water body, its bed, and its banks up to the ordinary high-water mark."

Section 61. Section 23-2-403, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-403. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Board" means the state parks and recreation board established in 2-15-3406 [section 1].

(2) "Commission" means the fish and wildlife commission established in 2-15-3402.

(3)(2) "Department" means the department of fish, wildlife, and parks commerce provided for in 2-15-3401 2-15-1801."

Section 62. Section 23-2-404, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-404. Applicability. This part applies to that portion of the Smith River waterway located in Meagher and Cascade Counties lying between Camp Baker in Meagher County and the confluence of the Smith River with the Missouri River. This description does not prevent the department board from naming or renaming areas pursuant to 23-1-102 23-1-111."

Section 63. Section 23-2-407, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-407. Management responsibility and plan. The department board has the primary recreational management responsibility for the Smith River waterway described in 23-2-404, consistent with the purpose stated in 23-1-101 and 23-2-402. The Smith River waterway must be administered to:

(1) allow the continuation of compatible existing recreational and public land uses;

(2) maintain the opportunity to enjoy the natural scenic beauty and solitude; and

(3) conserve fish and wildlife and scientific and recreational values. The board may cooperate and enter into agreements as necessary with the department of fish and wildlife for the purposes of this subsection (3)."

Section 64. Section 23-2-408, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-408. Rulemaking authority. The board has authority to provide for the administration of the Smith River waterway. The board may adopt rules to:

(1) regulate and allocate recreational and commercial floating and camping to preserve the biological and social benefits of recreational and commercial use of the Smith River waterway in its natural state. Recreational use may be restricted to preserve the experience of floating, fishing, and camping in a natural environment and to protect the river's fish, wildlife, water, and canyon resources. The restrictions must:

(a) consider the tolerance of adjacent landowners to recreational use;

(b) consider the capability of the river and adjoining lands to accommodate floating and camping use; and

(c) ensure an acceptable level of user satisfaction, including minimizing user conflicts and providing for a level of solitude.

(2) restrict recreational use, if necessary, through the implementation of a permit system. An allocation of a portion of the permits may be made to licensed outfitters to preserve the availability of outfitting services to the public.

(3) regulate the activities of recreational and commercial users of the water and land in the Smith River waterway that are legally accessible to the public and regulate the land in the river corridor that is under the control of the department and administered by the board:

(a) for the purposes of safety, health, and protection of property;

(b) to preserve the experience of floating, fishing, and camping in a natural environment;

(d) to minimize conflicts between recreationists and private landowners; and

(4) establish recreational and commercial user fees for floating and camping on the Smith River waterway."

Section 65. Section 23-2-409, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-409. Allocation of user fees -- expenditure of Smith River corridor enhancement account. (1) All money collected as recreational and commercial user fees for floating and camping on the Smith River waterway pursuant to 23-2-408 must be deposited in the state treasury in an account in the state special revenue fund to the credit of the department.

(2) Money deposited in the Smith River corridor enhancement account must be expended by the board to:

(a) protect and enhance the integrity of the natural and scenic beauty of the Smith River waterway and its recreational, fisheries, and wildlife values through the lease or acquisition of property, including lease or acquisition of partial interests in property by the department within the Smith River corridor;

(b) pursue projects that serve to protect, enhance, and restore fisheries habitat, streambank stabilization, erosion control, and recreational values within the Smith River corridor, including Smith River tributaries; and

(c) pursue projects that serve to maintain and enhance instream flows for recognized recreational and aquatic ecosystem values in the Smith River corridor.

(3) The board may cooperate and enter into agreements as necessary with the department of fish and wildlife for the purposes of subsection (2)."

Section 66. Section 23-2-410, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-410. Penalty -- enforcement. (1) A person who violates a rule of the board adopted pursuant to this part is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $500 or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 6 months, or both.

(2) The department board is a criminal justice agency for the purpose of obtaining the technical assistance and support services provided by the board of crime control under the provisions of 44-4-301. Authorized officers of the department board are granted peace officer status with the power:

(a) of search, seizure, and arrest;

(b) to investigate activities in this state regulated by this part and rules of the department, the board, and the commission; and

Section 67. Section 23-2-502, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-502. Definitions. As used in this part, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Board" means the state parks and recreation board established in [section 1].

(1)(2) "Certificate of number" means the certificate issued by the department of justice, an authorized agent, as defined in 61-1-101, or a county treasurer to the owner of a motorboat or sailboat, assigning the motorboat or sailboat an identifying number and containing other information as required by the department of justice.

(2)(3) "Department" means the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks of the state of Montana.

(3)(4) "Documented vessel" means a vessel that has and is required to have a valid marine document as a vessel of the United States.

(4)(5) "Identifying number" means the boat number set forth in the certificate of number and properly displayed on the motorboat or sailboat.

(5)(6) "Lienholder" means a person holding a security interest.

(6)(7) "Manufacturer" means a person engaged in the business of manufacturing or importing new and unused vessels or new and unused outboard motors for the purpose of sale or trade.

(7)(8) (a) "Motorboat" means a vessel, including a personal watercraft or pontoon, propelled by any machinery, motor, or engine of any description, whether or not the machinery, motor, or engine is the principal source of propulsion. The term includes boats temporarily equipped with detachable motors or engines.

(b) The term does not include a vessel that has a valid marine document issued by the U.S. coast guard or any successor federal agency.

(8)(9) "Operate" means to navigate or otherwise use a motorboat or a vessel.

(9)(10) "Operator" means the person who navigates, drives, or is otherwise in immediate control of a motorboat or vessel.

(10)(11) (a) "Owner" means a person, other than a lienholder, having the property in or title to a motorboat or vessel. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a motorboat or vessel subject to an interest in another person, reserved or created by an agreement securing payment or performance of an obligation.

(b) The term does not include a lessee under a lease not intended as security.

(11)(12) "Passenger" means each person carried on board a vessel other than:

(a) the owner or the owner's representative;

(b) the operator;

(c) bona fide members of the crew engaged in the business of the vessel who have not contributed any consideration for their carriage and who are paid for their services; or

(d) a guest on board a vessel that is being used exclusively for pleasure purposes who has not contributed any consideration, directly or indirectly, for the guest's carriage.

(12)(13) "Person" means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other entity.

(13)(14) "Personal watercraft" means a vessel that uses an outboard motor or an inboard engine powering a water jet pump as its primary source of propulsion and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel rather than by the conventional method of sitting or standing in the vessel.

(14)(15) "Registration decal" means an adhesive sticker produced by the department of justice and issued by the department of justice, an authorized agent as defined in 61-1-101, or a county treasurer to the owner of a motorboat, sailboat, or personal watercraft as proof of payment of fees imposed on the motorboat, sailboat, or personal watercraft for the registration period indicated on the decal as recorded by the department of justice under 61-3-101.

(15)(16) (a) "Sailboat" means a vessel that uses a sail and wind as its primary source of propulsion.

(b) The term does not include a canoe or kayak propelled by wind.

(16)(17) "Security interest" means an interest that is reserved or created by an agreement that secures payment or performance of an obligation and is valid against third parties generally.

(17)(18) "Uniform state waterway marking system" means one of two categories:

(a) a system of aids to navigation to supplement the federal system of marking in state waters; or

(b) a system of regulatory markers to warn a vessel operator of dangers or to provide general information and directions.

(18)(19) "Validation decal" means an adhesive sticker produced by the department and issued by the department or a county treasurer to the owner of a motorboat, sailboat, or personal watercraft verifying the identifying number assigned to the motorboat, sailboat, or personal watercraft and the name and address of the owner to meet requirements of the federal standard numbering system.

(19)(20) "Vessel" means every description of watercraft, unless otherwise defined by the department, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

(20)(21) "Waters of this state" means any waters within the territorial limits of this state."

Section 68. Section 23-2-519, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-519. Penalty -- disposition. (1) Failure to pay the registration fee as provided for in 61-3-321(10) is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine equal to four times the registration fee that is due on the motorboat, sailboat, personal watercraft, or motorized pontoon for the current year of registration.

(2) All fines collected pursuant to subsection (1) must be distributed in the following ratio:

(a) 50% to the general fund of the county in which the motorboat, sailboat, personal watercraft, or motorized pontoon is issued a certification number; and

(b) 50% to the motorboat account of the an account in the state special revenue fund for use by to the credit of the department in for the enforcement of this part."

Section 69. Section 23-2-533, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-533. Use Motorboat account -- use of allocated funds for boating facilities. (1) There is a motorboat account in the state special revenue fund established in 17-2-102. Funds allocated to the motorboat account must be used by the department board to:

(a) improve, operate, or maintain boating facilities; and

(b) cover costs associated with the boating advisory council created in 23-2-536.

(2) The department board may use the funds to match available federal funds to the extent possible. Expenditure of funds must be made after consideration of recommendations by the boating advisory council."

Section 70. Section 23-2-536, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-536. Creation of boating advisory council -- appointment of members -- duties. (1) The department executive director appointed hired under 2-15-3401 [section 1] shall appoint a boating advisory council to advise the department board on the expenditure of funds in the motorboat account in the state special revenue fund established in 23-2-533.

(2) The boating advisory council must be composed of at least five members of the public, each of whom must be interested in boating activities and the use of public boating facilities.

(3) The boating advisory council is attached to the department of commerce in an advisory capacity only, as defined in 2-15-102.

(4) All costs associated with the boating advisory council must be paid from the motorboat account in the state special revenue fund established in 25-2-533. Council members are not entitled to compensation or travel expenses as provided in 2-15-122."

Section 71. Section 23-2-601, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-601. Definition of terms. As used in this part, unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Board" means the state parks and recreation board established in [section 1].

(1)(2) "Certificate of registration" means the owner's receipt evidencing payment of fees due in order for the snowmobile to be validly registered.

(2)(3) "Certificate of title" means the document issued by the department of justice as prima facie evidence of ownership.

(3)(4) "dbA" means sound pressure level measured on the "A" weight scale in decibels.

(4)(5) "Department" means the department of fish, wildlife, and parks of the state of Montana commerce established in 2-15-1801.

(5)(6) "Mechanical transport" means any contrivance for moving a person over land that has moving parts and provides a mechanical advantage to the user.

(6)(7) "New snowmobile" means a snowmobile that has not been previously sold to an owner.

(7)(8) "Operator" includes each person who operates or is in actual physical control of the operation of a snowmobile.

(8)(9) "Owner" includes each person, other than a lienholder or person having a security interest in a snowmobile, that holds a certificate of title to a snowmobile and is entitled to the use or possession of the snowmobile.

(9)(10) "Person" means an individual, partnership, association, corporation, and any other body or group of persons, regardless of the degree of formal organization.

(10)(11) "Registration decal" means an adhesive sticker produced and issued by the department of justice, its authorized agent, or a county treasurer to the owner of a snowmobile as proof of payment of all fees imposed for the registration period indicated on the sticker as recorded by the department of justice under 61-3-101.

(11)(12) "Roadway" means only those portions of a highway, road, or street improved, designed, or ordinarily used for travel or parking of motor vehicles.

(12)(13) "Snowmobile" means a self-propelled vehicle of an overall width of 48 inches or less, excluding accessories, designed for travel on snow or ice, that may be steered by skis or runners and that is not otherwise registered or licensed under the laws of the state of Montana.

(13)(14) "Snowmobile area" means those areas designated as snowmobile trails or areas open to the operation of snowmobiles.

(14)(15) "Snowmobile area operators" means those persons responsible for the maintenance of snowmobile trails and for the designation of open areas or those persons providing rental snowmobile equipment. Operators may include but are not limited to the United States forest service, the Montana department of fish, wildlife, and parks board, the Montana snowmobile association, individual snowmobile clubs, landowners or their tenants, persons who offer snowmobile equipment for rent, and private trail grooming contractors.

(15)(16) "Snowmobiler" means any person operating or riding a snowmobile."

Section 72. Section 23-2-615, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-615. Nonresident temporary-use snowmobile permits -- use of fees. (1) The requirements for a nonresident temporary-use snowmobile permit are as follows:

(a) Application for the issuance of the permit must be made at locations and upon forms prescribed by the department board. The forms must include but are not limited to:

(i) the applicant's name and permanent address; and

(ii) an affidavit declaring the nonresidency of the applicant.

(b) Upon submission of the application and a fee of $25, of which 50 cents is a search and rescue surcharge, a nonresident temporary-use snowmobile sticker must be issued. The sticker must be permanently affixed in a conspicuous manner on the snowmobile.

(2) The temporary-use snowmobile permit is valid during the fiscal year in which it is issued.

(3) The temporary-use snowmobile permit is not proof of ownership, and a certificate of title may not be issued.

(4) (a) A nonresident temporary-use snowmobile permit is not required for a snowmobile that qualifies as a racing snowmobile under 23-2-622.

(b) A nonresident temporary-use snowmobile permit is not required for a snowmobile that will be used only on trails that are managed jointly by agreement between Montana and another state.

(5) Except as provided in subsection (1)(b), money collected by payment of fees under this section must be deposited in the state special revenue fund to the credit of the department and used as follows:

(a) $11 must be expended in areas that are impacted by nonresident snowmobile use to assist in offsetting snowmobile trail grooming costs;

(b) $2.50 must be used by the department board for the enforcement of snowmobile laws pursuant to 23-2-641;

(d) $10 must be used by the department board for the statewide snowmobile trail grooming program.

(6) The failure to display the permit as required by this section or the making of false statements in obtaining the permit is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $100."

Section 73. Section 23-2-616, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-616. Registration and registration decal -- application and issuance -- use of certain fees. (1) Except for a snowmobile registered under 23-2-621, a snowmobile may not be operated on public lands by any person unless it has been registered and a registration decal is displayed in a conspicuous place on the left side of the cowl.

(2) (a) A Montana resident who owns a snowmobile operated on public land shall register the snowmobile at the county treasurer's office in the county where the owner resides.

(b) A county treasurer shall register a snowmobile if:

(i) as of the date that the snowmobile is to be registered, the owner delivers or has delivered an application for a certificate of title to the department board, its authorized agent, or a county treasurer; or

(ii) the county treasurer has confirmed that the department of justice has an electronic record of title for the snowmobile as provided in 61-3-101.

(c) To register a snowmobile, the county treasurer shall update the electronic record of title maintained by the department of justice, by entering the fees paid and recording any changes to the record.

(3) The owner registering a snowmobile shall pay the registration fee prescribed in 61-3-321(11) and, if the snowmobile has previously been registered, show the county treasurer the registration receipt for the most recent year in which the snowmobile was registered. Upon payment of the proper fee, the treasurer shall issue a registration receipt that contains information considered necessary by the department of justice and a listing of fees paid. The owner shall retain possession of the registration receipt until it is surrendered to the county treasurer or to a purchaser or subsequent owner pursuant to a transfer of ownership.

(4) The county treasurer shall forward the application to the department of justice and shall issue to the applicant a registration decal in the style and design prescribed by the department of justice.

(5) The county treasurer may not register a snowmobile under this section unless the applicant has paid the registration fee.

(6) All money collected from payment of registration fees and all interest accruing from use of this money must be forwarded to the state, as provided in 15-1-504, for deposit in the state general fund."

Section 74. Section 23-2-633, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-633. Other unlawful operation. A person while operating a snowmobile may not:

(1) use the snowmobile for the purpose of driving, rallying, or harassing game animals, game birds, or fur-bearing animals of the state or livestock, including ostriches, rheas, and emus. An owner of livestock is not prohibited from managing or driving the owner's livestock by the use of snowmobiles and may direct other persons to manage or drive the owner's livestock by use of snowmobiles. The department of fish, and wildlife, and parks, including its duly authorized employees thereof, is not prohibited from managing or driving game animals, game birds, or fur-bearing animals by the use of snowmobiles.

(2) discharge a firearm from or upon a snowmobile; or

(3) operate the snowmobile without a lighted headlight and taillight between the hours of dusk and dawn."

Section 75. Section 23-2-634, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-634. Regulation of snowmobile noise. (1) Except as provided in this section, each snowmobile must be equipped at all times with noise-suppression devices, including an exhaust muffler in good working order and in constant operation. A snowmobile may not be modified by any person in any manner that will amplify or otherwise increase total noise emissions to a level greater than that emitted by the snowmobile as originally constructed, regardless of date of manufacture.

(2) Each person who owns or operates a snowmobile manufactured after June 30, 1972, but prior to June 30, 1975, shall maintain the machine in such a manner that it will not exceed a sound level limitation of 82 dbA measured at 50 feet.

(3) A snowmobile manufactured after June 30, 1975, except snowmobiles designated for competition purposes only, may not be sold or offered for sale unless that machine has been certified by the manufacturer as being able to conform to a sound level limitation of not more than 78 dbA measured at 50 feet. Each person who owns or operates a snowmobile manufactured after June 30, 1975, shall maintain the machine in a manner so that it will not exceed a sound level limitation of 78 dbA measured at 50 feet.

(4) A manufacturer who certifies that a new snowmobile can comply with the noise limitation requirements of 23-2-601, 23-2-602, 23-2-611, 23-2-614 through 23-2-617, 23-2-621, 23-2-622, 23-2-631 through 23-2-635, and 23-2-641 through 23-2-644 this part shall affix a permanent notice of that certification to every snowmobile offered for sale in the state of Montana.

(5) In certifying that a new snowmobile can comply with the noise limitation requirements of 23-2-601, 23-2-602, 23-2-611, 23-2-614 through 23-2-617, 23-2-621, 23-2-622, 23-2-631 through 23-2-635, and 23-2-641 through 23-2-644 this part, a manufacturer shall make the certification based upon measurements made in accordance with SAE recommended practice J192, as amended. The department board, in enforcing the provisions of this section, shall make measurements of snowmobile noise in accordance with applicable practices used by the international snowmobile manufacturers association or with other standards for measurement of sound level that the department board may adopt.

(6) This section does not apply to organized races or similar competitive events held on:

(a) private lands or waters, with the permission of the owner, lessee, or custodian of the land or waters; or

(b) public lands or waters, with the consent of the public agency having the authority to grant consent."

Section 76. Section 23-2-636, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-636. Snowmobile trail pass -- fees -- penalties. (1) Except as provided in subsection (4), to be eligible to operate a snowmobile or use motorized equipment or mechanical transport in snowmobile areas groomed with a grant or funding assistance awarded by the department board, a person shall first purchase a snowmobile trail pass for $18.

(2) The trail pass is valid for 3 years from the date of purchase and must be affixed in a conspicuous place to each snowmobile, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport used. A trail pass is not transferable between a snowmobile, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport.

(3) Application for the issuance of the trail pass must be made at locations and upon on forms prescribed by the department board.

(4) A person renting a snowmobile registered pursuant to 61-3-321(11)(b) is not required to purchase a snowmobile trail pass but shall carry proof of rental if operating a snowmobile in a snowmobile area that otherwise requires a trail pass pursuant to subsection (1).

(5) Money collected by payment of fees under this section must be deposited in the state special revenue fund to the credit of the department and used as follows:

(a) $2 must be remitted to the vendor who sold the trail pass if the vendor is not the department board;

(b) $1 must be used for the enforcement of snowmobile laws pursuant to this part; and

(c) the remainder must be used by the department to award grants or funding assistance to snowmobile area operators for the grooming of snowmobile areas.

(6) The failure to affix the trail pass as required by this section or the making of false statements in obtaining the trail pass is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $100."

Section 77. Section 23-2-641, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-641. Enforcement. (1) With respect to the sale of any new snowmobile that is subject to the provisions of 23-2-601, 23-2-602, 23-2-611, 23-2-614 through 23-2-617, 23-2-621, 23-2-622, 23-2-631 through 23-2-635, and 23-2-641 through 23-2-644 this part, the attorney general shall, upon the request of the department board, sue for the recovery of the penalties provided in 23-2-642 and bring an action for a restraining order or temporary or permanent injunction against a person who sells or offers to sell a new snowmobile that does not satisfy the sound level limitations imposed by 23-2-601, 23-2-602, 23-2-611, 23-2-614 through 23-2-617, 23-2-621, 23-2-622, 23-2-631 through 23-2-635, and 23-2-641 through 23-2-644 this part.

(2) (a) The department board is a criminal justice agency for the purpose of obtaining the technical assistance and support services provided by the board of crime control under the provisions of 44-4-301. Authorized officers of the department board are granted peace officer status with the power:

(i) of search, seizure, and arrest;

(ii) to investigate activities in this state regulated by this part and rules of the department and the fish and wildlife commission board; and

(iii) to report violations to the county attorney of the county in which they occur.

(b) Sheriffs and their deputies of the various counties of the state, the Montana highway patrol, authorized officers of the department board, and the police of each municipality shall enforce the provisions of this part."

Section 78. Section 23-2-657, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-657. Environmental review compliance -- exemption. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the department of fish, wildlife, and parks board shall comply with the provisions of Title 75, chapter 1, parts 1 and 2, when:

(a) acting as a snowmobile area operator pursuant to this part; or

(b) awarding a grant or other funding assistance to a snowmobile area operator.

(2) The department of fish, wildlife, and parks board is exempt from the provisions of Title 75, chapter 1, parts 1 and 2, when taking actions as a snowmobile area operator pursuant to this part or when awarding a grant or other funding assistance to a snowmobile area operator if the action or award has been previously subject to environmental review under Title 75, chapter 1, parts 1 and 2, and there is no proposed change to the action or the use of the award."

Section 79. Section 23-2-801, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-801. Definition Definitions. (1) As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Board" means the state parks and recreation board established in [section 1].

(2) "Department" means the department of commerce established in 2-15-1801.

(3) (a) "off-highway "Off-highway vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle used for recreation or cross-country travel on public lands, trails, easements, lakes, rivers, or streams. The term includes but is not limited to motorcycles, quadricycles, dune buggies, amphibious vehicles, air cushion vehicles, and any other means of land transportation deriving motive power from any source other than muscle or wind.

(2)(b) Off-highway vehicle The term does not include:

(a)(i) vehicles designed primarily for travel on, over, or in the water;

(b)(ii) snowmobiles; or

(c)(iii) except as provided in 23-2-804, vehicles otherwise issued a certificate of title and registered under the laws of the state, unless the vehicle is used for off-road recreation on public lands."

Section 80. Section 23-2-806, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-806. Enforcement. (1) The department of fish, wildlife, and parks enforcement personnel, park rangers, Authorized officers of the board, sheriffs and their deputies, the Montana highway patrol, and the police of each municipality shall enforce the provisions of this part.

(a) of search, seizure, and arrest;

(b) to investigate activities in this state regulated by this part and rules of the department and the fish and wildlife commission board; and

(3) Park rangers may not carry firearms in the execution of their duties."

Section 81. Section 23-2-814, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-814. Nonresident temporary-use permits -- use of fees. (1) Except as provided in 23-2-802, an off-highway vehicle that is owned by a nonresident may not be operated by a person in Montana unless a nonresident temporary-use permit is obtained.

(2) The requirements pertaining to a nonresident temporary-use permit for an off-highway vehicle are as follows:

(a) Application for the issuance of the permit must be made at locations and upon on forms prescribed by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks board. The forms must include but are not limited to:

(i) the applicant's name and permanent address;

(ii) the make, model, year, and serial number of the off-highway vehicle; and

(iii) an affidavit declaring the nonresidency of the applicant.

(b) Upon submission of the application and a fee of $27, of which $1 is a search and rescue surcharge, a nonresident off-highway vehicle temporary-use sticker must be issued. The sticker must be displayed in a conspicuous manner on the off-highway vehicle. The sticker is the temporary-use permit.

(3) The temporary-use permit is valid for the calendar year designated on the permit.

(4) The permit is not proof of ownership, and a certificate of title may not be issued.

(5) (a) Except as provided in subsection (5)(b), money collected by payment of fees under this section must be deposited in the state special revenue fund to the credit of the department of fish, wildlife, and parks and used as follows:

(i) $15 must be expended to maintain off-highway vehicle trails;

(ii) $2.50 must be used by the department board for enforcement of off-highway vehicle laws pursuant to 23-2-806;

(iii) $1 must be remitted to the license agent who sold the nonresident temporary-use permit;

(iv) $6 must be used by the department board for off-highway vehicle safety education; and

(v) $1.50 must be used by the department board to mitigate and eradicate noxious weeds along off-highway vehicle trails.

(b) The $1 search and rescue surcharge must be deposited in the account established in 10-3-801 for use as provided in that section.

(6) Failure to display the permit as required by this section or making false statements in obtaining the permit is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $100. All fines collected under this section must be transmitted to the department of revenue for deposit in the state general fund."

Section 82. Section 23-2-824, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-824. Operation on public roads, streets, and highways. (1) A person may operate an off-highway vehicle on a controlled-access highway or facility only if the vehicle is registered and licensed under 61-3-301 and the operator possesses a license to drive the vehicle issued under Title 61, chapter 5.

(2) Off-highway vehicle operation is permitted on the roadway or shoulder of any public road or highway, state highway, county road, or city street located within the boundaries of any municipality only if:

(a) the operator has received permission or is otherwise authorized for that travel by the municipality in the case of town or city streets, the board of county commissioners for county roads, or the state highway patrol for all other highways; or

(b) operation is authorized on municipal streets by municipal ordinance.

(3) An off-highway vehicle may not be operated as allowed under subsection (2) unless it is equipped with at least one headlamp and one taillamp, which must be lighted at all times during operation, and unless it is equipped with a suitable braking device operable by either hand or foot.

(4) (a) Except as provided in subsection (4)(b), a person who operates an off-highway vehicle when allowed under subsection (2) must have in the person's possession a license to drive a motor vehicle issued under Title 61, chapter 5.

(b) An operator is exempt from the requirement to possess a license when operating an off-highway vehicle as allowed under subsection (2) if the person:

(i) is under 16 years of age but at least 12 years of age; and

(ii) at the time of operation of the off-highway vehicle, has in the person's possession a certificate showing the successful completion of an off-highway vehicle safety education course approved by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks board and is in the physical presence of a person who possesses a license to drive a motor vehicle."

Section 83. Section 27-1-721, MCA, is amended to read:

"27-1-721. Immunity of certain firearms and hunter safety or hunter education instructors. A person who is designated as a hunter safety instructor or hunter education instructor by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks under 87-2-105 or certified as an instructor by a national firearms association, who trains people in the lawful use of firearms, and who is not employed by a governmental entity is not liable for the conduct, acts, or omissions of a student handling firearms unless the instructor exhibits gross negligence giving rise to causation of the damages."

Section 84. Section 37-47-345, MCA, is amended to read:

"37-47-345. Enforcement. Investigations and arrests for violations of this chapter or rules adopted pursuant to this chapter may be made by any peace officer;, warden of the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks; or federal agency enforcement personnel."

Section 85. Section 40-5-701, MCA, is amended to read:

"40-5-701. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) (a) "Child" means:

(i) a person under 18 years of age who is not emancipated, self-supporting, married, or a member of the armed forces of the United States;

(ii) a person under 19 years of age who is still in high school;

(iii) a person who is mentally or physically incapacitated when the incapacity began prior to that person reaching 18 years of age; and

(iv) in IV-D cases, a person for whom:

(A) support rights are assigned under 53-2-613;

(B) a public assistance payment has been made;

(D) the department has received a referral for IV-D services under the provisions of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, the Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, or Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.

(b) The term may not be construed to limit the ability of the department to enforce a support order according to its terms when the order provides for support extending beyond the time the child reaches 18 years of age.

(2) "Delinquency" means a support debt or support obligation due under a support order in an amount greater than or equal to 6 months' support payments as of the date of service of a notice of intent to suspend a license.

(3) "Department" means the department of public health and human services.

(4) "License" means a license, certificate, registration, permit, or any other authorization issued by an agency of the state of Montana granting a person a right or privilege to engage in a business, occupation, profession, recreational activity, or any other privilege that is subject to suspension, revocation, forfeiture, termination, or a declaration of ineligibility to purchase by the licensing authority prior to its date of expiration.

(5) "Licensing authority" means any department, division, board, agency, or instrumentality of this state that issues a license.

(6) "Obligee" means:

(a) a person to whom a support debt or support obligation is owed; or

(b) a public agency of this or another state or an Indian tribe that has the right to receive current or accrued support payments or that is providing support enforcement services under this chapter.

(7) "Obligor" means a person who owes a duty of support or who is subject to a subpoena or warrant in a paternity or child support proceeding.

(8) "Order suspending a license" means an order issued by a support enforcement entity to suspend a license. The order must contain the name of the obligor, the type of license, and, if known, the social security number of the obligor.

(9) "Payment plan" includes but is not limited to a plan approved by the support enforcement entity that provides sufficient security to ensure compliance with a support order and that incorporates voluntary or involuntary income withholding under part 3 or 4 of this chapter or a similar plan for periodic payment of a support debt and, if applicable, current and future support.

(10) "Recreational activity" means an activity for which a license or permit is issued by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks under Title 87, chapter 2, part 6 or 7, except 87-2-708 or 87-2-711, or under 87-2-505, 87-2-507, 87-2-508, or 87-2-510.

(11) "Subpoena" means a writ or order issued by a court or the department in a proceeding or as part of an investigation related to the paternity or support of a child that commands a person to appear at a particular place and time to testify or produce documents or things under the person's control.

(12) "Support debt" or "support obligation" means the amount created by the failure to provide or pay:

(a) support to a child under the laws of this or any other state or under a support order;

(b) court-ordered spousal maintenance or other court-ordered support for the child's custodial parent;

(c) fines, fees, penalties, interest, and other funds and costs that the support enforcement entity is authorized to collect by the use of any procedure available to the entity for the payment, enforcement, and collection of child support or spousal maintenance or support; or

(d) contributions ordered pursuant to 41-5-1525.

(13) "Support enforcement entity" means:

(a) in IV-D cases, the department; or

(b) in all other cases, the district court that entered the support order or a district court in which the support order is registered.

(14) (a) "Support order" means an order that provides a determinable amount for temporary or final periodic payment of a support debt or support obligation and that may include payment of a determinable or indeterminable amount for insurance covering the child issued by:

(i) a district court of this state;

(ii) a court of appropriate jurisdiction of another state, an Indian tribe, or a foreign country;

(iii) an administrative agency pursuant to proceedings under Title 40, chapter 5, part 2; or

(iv) an administrative agency of another state or an Indian tribe with a hearing function and process similar to those of the department.

(b) If an action for child support is commenced under this part and the context so requires, support order also includes:

(i) judgments and orders providing periodic payments for the maintenance or support of the child's custodial parent; and

(ii) amounts for the recovery of fines, fees, penalties, interest, and other funds and costs that the support enforcement entity is authorized to collect by the use of any procedure available to the entity for the payment, enforcement, and collection of child support or spousal maintenance or support.

(15) "Suspension" includes the withdrawal, withholding, revocation, forfeiture, or nonissuance of a license and license privileges.

(16) "Warrant" means a bench warrant, a warrant to appear, an order to show cause, or any other order issued by a court relating to the appearance of a party in a paternity or child support proceeding.

(17) "IV-D case" means a case in which the department is providing support enforcement services as a result of:

(a) an assignment of support rights under 53-2-613;

(b) a payment of public assistance;

(d) a referral for services from an agency of another state or an Indian tribe under the provisions of the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, the Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, or Title IV-D of the Social Security Act."

Section 86. Section 44-4-115, MCA, is amended to read:

"44-4-115. Fish, and wildlife, and parks enforcement program. There is a fish, and wildlife, and parks enforcement program in the department of justice, which must be administered by the entity in the department that assists county attorneys with prosecutions. The program staff may investigate and may prosecute criminal cases concerning the violation of the laws administered by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks. The program is under the supervision and control of the attorney general and consists of a half-time attorney licensed to practice law in Montana who may prosecute, or assist county attorneys and the department in the prosecution of, criminal violations of Title 87."

Section 87. Section 45-6-101, MCA, is amended to read:

"45-6-101. Criminal mischief. (1) A person commits the offense of criminal mischief if the person knowingly or purposely:

(a) injures, damages, or destroys any property of another or public property without consent;

(b) without consent tampers with property of another or public property so as to endanger or interfere with persons or property or its use;

(d) fails to close a gate previously unopened that the person has opened, leading in or out of any enclosed premises. This does not apply to gates located in cities or towns.

(2) A person convicted of criminal mischief must be ordered to make restitution in an amount and manner to be set by the court. The court shall determine the manner and amount of restitution after full consideration of the convicted person's ability to pay the restitution. Upon good cause shown by the convicted person, the court may modify any previous order specifying the amount and manner of restitution. Full payment of the amount of restitution ordered must be made prior to the release of state jurisdiction over the person convicted.

(3) A person convicted of the offense of criminal mischief shall be fined not to exceed $1,500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for any term not to exceed 6 months, or both. If the offender commits the offense of criminal mischief and causes pecuniary loss in excess of $1,500, injures or kills a commonly domesticated hoofed animal, or causes a substantial interruption or impairment of public communication, transportation, supply of water, gas, or power, or other public services, the offender shall be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000 or be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 10 years, or both.

(4) Amounts involved in criminal mischiefs committed pursuant to a common scheme or the same transaction, whether against the public or the same person or several persons, may be aggregated in determining pecuniary loss.

(5) A person convicted of or who forfeits bond or bail for committing an act of criminal mischief involving property owned or administered by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks pursuant to Title 87 or the state parks and recreation board pursuant to Title 23, chapter 1, shall forfeit any current hunting, fishing, or trapping license issued by this state and the privilege to hunt, fish, or trap in this state for at least 24 months from the date of conviction or forfeiture."

Section 88. Section 45-6-201, MCA, is amended to read:

"45-6-201. Definition of enter or remain unlawfully. (1) A person enters or remains unlawfully in or upon any vehicle, occupied structure, or premises when the person is not licensed, invited, or otherwise privileged to do so. Privilege to enter or remain upon land is extended either by the explicit permission of the landowner or other authorized person or by the failure of the landowner or other authorized person to post notice denying entry onto private land. The privilege may be revoked at any time by personal communication of notice by the landowner or other authorized person to the entering person.

(2) To provide for effective posting of private land through which the public has no right-of-way, the notice provided for in subsection (1) must satisfy the following requirements:

(a) notice must be placed on a post, structure, or natural object by marking it with written notice or with not less than 50 square inches of fluorescent orange paint, except that when metal fenceposts are used, the entire post must be painted; and

(b) the notice described in subsection (2)(a) must be placed at each outer gate and normal point of access to the property, including both sides of a water body crossing the property wherever the water body intersects an outer boundary line.

(3) To provide for effective posting of private land through which or along which the public has an unfenced right-of-way by means of a public road, a landowner shall:

(a) place a conspicuous sign no closer than 30 feet of the centerline of the roadway where it enters the private land, stating words substantially similar to "PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO TRESPASSING OFF ROAD NEXT ___ MILES"; or

(b) place notice, as described in subsection (2)(a), no closer than 30 feet of the centerline of the roadway at regular intervals of not less than one-fourth mile along the roadway where it borders unfenced private land, except that orange markings may not be placed on posts where the public roadway enters the private land.

(4) If property has been posted in substantial compliance with subsection (2) or (3), it is considered closed to public access unless explicit permission to enter is given by the landowner or the landowner's authorized agent.

(5) The department of fish, and wildlife, and parks shall attempt to educate and inform all persons holding hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses or permits by including on any publication concerning the licenses or permits, in condensed form, the provisions of this section concerning entry on private land. The department shall use public media, as well as its own publications, in attempting to educate and inform other recreational users of the provisions of this section. In the interests of providing the public with clear information regarding the public nature of certain unfenced rural rights-of-way, the department may develop and distribute posting signs that satisfy the requirements of subsection (3).

(6) For purposes of this section, "land" means land as defined in 70-15-102.

(7) Civil liability may not be imposed upon the owner or occupier of premises by reason of any privilege created by this section."

Section 89. Section 45-6-203, MCA, is amended to read:

"45-6-203. Criminal trespass to property. (1) Except as provided in 15-7-139, 70-16-111, and 76-13-116, a person commits the offense of criminal trespass to property if the person knowingly:

(a) enters or remains unlawfully in an occupied structure; or

(b) enters or remains unlawfully in or upon the premises of another.

(2) A person convicted of the offense of criminal trespass to property shall be fined not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for any term not to exceed 6 months, or both.

(3) A person convicted of or who forfeits bond or bail for committing an act of criminal trespass involving property owned or administered by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks pursuant to Title 87 or the state parks and recreation board pursuant to Title 23, chapter 1, or while hunting, fishing, or trapping may be subject to revocation of the person's privilege to hunt, fish, or trap in this state for up to 24 months from the date of conviction or forfeiture."

Section 90. Section 45-8-109, MCA, is amended to read:

"45-8-109. Civil disorder -- prohibited activities -- penalties -- exceptions. (1) A person is guilty of a crime if, with one or more other persons, the person purposely or knowingly assembles for the purpose of training in, instructing in the use of, or practicing with any technique or means capable of causing property damage, bodily injury, or death, with the purpose of employing the training, instruction, or practice in a civil disorder.

(2) A person convicted of violating the provisions of subsection (1) is guilty of a felony and shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a period not to exceed 10 years or be fined not to exceed $50,000, or both.

(3) Subsection (1) does not prohibit:

(a) an act protected pursuant to Article II of the Montana constitution;

(b) an act of a governmental military force;

(d) an authorized activity of the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks; the department of corrections;, a law enforcement agency;, or the law enforcement academy;

(e) training in nonviolent civil disobedience techniques;

(f) lawful self-defense or defense of others or an activity intended to teach or practice self-defense or self-defense techniques; or

(g) a facility, program, or lawful activity related to firearms instruction or training intended to teach the safe handling and use of firearms or activities or sports related to recreational use or possession of firearms.

(4) Sections 45-8-107 through 45-8-109 do not apply to an employer or employees involved in a labor dispute."

Section 91. Section 45-8-321, MCA, is amended to read:

"45-8-321. Permit to carry concealed weapon. (1) A county sheriff shall, within 60 days after the filing of an application, issue a permit to carry a concealed weapon to the applicant. The permit is valid for 4 years from the date of issuance. An applicant must be a United States citizen who is 18 years of age or older and who holds a valid Montana driver's license or other form of identification issued by the state that has a picture of the person identified. An applicant must have been a resident of the state for at least 6 months. Except as provided in subsection (2), this privilege may not be denied an applicant unless the applicant:

(a) is ineligible under Montana or federal law to own, possess, or receive a firearm;

(b) has been charged and is awaiting judgment in any state of a state or federal crime that is punishable by incarceration for 1 year or more;

(i) a crime punishable by more than 1 year of incarceration; or

(ii) regardless of the sentence that may be imposed, a crime that includes as an element of the crime an act, attempted act, or threat of intentional homicide, serious bodily harm, unlawful restraint, sexual abuse, or sexual intercourse or contact without consent;

(d) has been convicted under 45-8-327 or 45-8-328, unless the applicant has been pardoned or 5 years have elapsed since the date of the conviction;

(e) has a warrant of any state or the federal government out for the applicant's arrest;

(f) has been adjudicated in a criminal or civil proceeding in any state or federal court to be an unlawful user of an intoxicating substance and is under a court order of imprisonment or other incarceration, probation, suspended or deferred imposition of sentence, treatment or education, or other conditions of release or is otherwise under state supervision;

(g) has been adjudicated in a criminal or civil proceeding in any state or federal court to be mentally ill, mentally disordered, or mentally disabled and is still subject to a disposition order of that court; or

(h) was dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces.

(2) The sheriff may deny an applicant a permit to carry a concealed weapon if the sheriff has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant is mentally ill, mentally disordered, or mentally disabled or otherwise may be a threat to the peace and good order of the community to the extent that the applicant should not be allowed to carry a concealed weapon. At the time an application is denied, the sheriff shall, unless the applicant is the subject of an active criminal investigation, give the applicant a written statement of the reasonable cause upon which the denial is based.

(3) An applicant for a permit under this section must, as a condition to issuance of the permit, be required by the sheriff to demonstrate familiarity with a firearm by:

(a) completion of a hunter education or safety course approved or conducted by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks or a similar agency of another state;

(b) completion of a firearms safety or training course approved or conducted by the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks, a similar agency of another state, a national firearms association, a law enforcement agency, an institution of higher education, or an organization that uses instructors certified by a national firearms association;

(c) completion of a law enforcement firearms safety or training course offered to or required of public or private law enforcement personnel and conducted or approved by a law enforcement agency;

(d) possession of a license from another state to carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, that is granted by that state upon completion of a course described in subsections (3)(a) through (3)(c); or

(e) evidence that the applicant, during military service, was found to be qualified to operate firearms, including handguns.

(4) A photocopy of a certificate of completion of a course described in subsection (3), an affidavit from the entity or instructor that conducted the course attesting to completion of the course, or a copy of any other document that attests to completion of the course and can be verified through contact with the entity or instructor that conducted the course creates a presumption that the applicant has completed a course described in subsection (3).

(5) If the sheriff and applicant agree, the requirement in subsection (3) of demonstrating familiarity with a firearm may be satisfied by the applicant's passing, to the satisfaction of the sheriff or of any person or entity to which the sheriff delegates authority to give the test, a physical test in which the applicant demonstrates the applicant's familiarity with a firearm.

(6) A person, except a person referred to in subsection (1)(c)(ii), who has been convicted of a felony and whose rights have been restored pursuant to Article II, section 28, of the Montana constitution is entitled to issuance of a concealed weapons permit if otherwise eligible."

Section 92. Section 50-53-209, MCA, is amended to read:

"50-53-209. Cooperative agreements -- inspections. (1) The department may enter into cooperative agreements with local boards of health to authorize those boards to act as agents of the department and to conduct inspections of and enforce applicable statutes and department rules relating to public swimming pools and public bathing places within the jurisdictions of the respective boards.

(2) The department or a local board of health, pursuant to a cooperative agreement, shall annually conduct:

(a) at least one full facility inspection and one critical point inspection of each public swimming pool or public bathing place operated throughout the year; and

(b) at least one full facility inspection of each seasonal public swimming pool or public bathing place.

(3) The department shall enter into cooperative agreements with the department of fish, wildlife, and parks state parks and recreation board and other state agencies that operate public swimming pools or public bathing places to address the enforcement of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter."

Section 93. Section 60-3-201, MCA, is amended to read:

"60-3-201. Distribution and use of proceeds of gasoline tax. (1) All money received in payment of the gasoline tax under 15-70-403, except those amounts paid out of the department's suspense account for gasoline tax refund, must be used and expended as provided in this section. The portion of that money on hand at any time that is needed to pay highway bonds and interest on highway bonds when due and to accumulate and maintain a reserve for payment of highway bonds and interest, as provided in laws and in resolutions of the state board of examiners authorizing the bonds, must be deposited in the highway bond account in the debt service fund established by 17-2-102. After deductions for amounts paid out of the suspense account for gasoline tax refunds, the remainder is allocated as follows:

(a) 9/10 of 1% to the state park account;

(b) 15/28 of 1% to a snowmobile account in the state special revenue fund;

(d) 1/25 of 1% to the aeronautics revenue fund of the department under the provisions of 67-1-301; and

(e) the remaining amount:

(i) for use by the department on the highways in this state selected and designated by the commission;

(ii) for collection of the fuel taxes; and

(iii) for the enforcement of the Montana highway code under Article VIII, section 6, of the constitution of this state.

(2) The department shall, in expending this money, carry forward construction from year to year, using the money expended in accordance with this title. Nothing in this title conflicts with Title 23 of the United States Code and the rules by which it is administered.

(3) The department may enter into cooperative agreements with the national park service and the federal highway administration for the purpose of maintaining national park approach roads in Montana.

(4) Money credited to the state park account in the state special revenue fund may be used only for the creation, improvement, and maintenance of state parks where motorboating is allowed. The legislature finds that of all the fuel sold in the state for consumption in internal combustion engines, except fuel for which refunds have been made, not less than 9/10 of 1% is used for propelling boats on waterways of this state.

(5) (a) Money credited to the snowmobile account may be used only to develop and maintain facilities open to the general public at no admission cost, to promote snowmobile safety, for enforcement purposes, and for the control of noxious weeds.

(b) Of the amounts deposited in the snowmobile account:

(i) 13% of the amount deposited must be used by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks state parks and recreation board to promote snowmobile safety and education and to enforce snowmobile laws. Two-thirds of the 13% deposited must be used to promote snowmobile safety and education and one-third of the 13% deposited must be used for the enforcement of snowmobile laws.

(ii) 1% of the amount deposited must be credited to the noxious weed management special revenue fund provided for in 80-7-816.

(c) The legislature finds that of all fuels sold in this state for consumption in internal combustion engines, except fuel for which refunds have been made, not less than 15/28 of 1% is used for propelling registered snowmobiles in this state.

(6) (a) Money credited to the off-highway vehicle account under subsection (1)(c) may be used only to develop and maintain facilities open to the general public at no admission cost, to repair areas that are damaged by off-highway vehicles, and to promote off-highway vehicle safety. Ten percent of the money deposited in the off-highway vehicle account must be used to promote off-highway vehicle safety. Up to 10% of the money deposited in the off-highway vehicle account may be used to repair areas that are damaged by off-highway vehicles.

(b) The legislature finds that of all fuel sold in this state for consumption in internal combustion engines, except fuel for which refunds have been made, not less than 1/8 of 1% is used for propelling off-highway vehicles in this state.

(7) Money credited to the aeronautics account of the department of transportation may be used only to develop, improve, and maintain facilities open to the public at no admission cost and to promote aviation safety. The legislature finds that of all the fuel sold in this state for consumption in internal combustion engines, except fuel for which refunds have been made, not less than 1/25 of 1% is used for propelling aircraft in this state."

Section 94. Section 61-3-321, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-321. Registration fees of vehicles and vessels -- certain vehicles exempt from registration fees -- disposition of fees. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, registration fees must be paid upon registration or, if applicable, renewal of registration of motor vehicles, snowmobiles, watercraft, trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers as provided in subsections (2) through (20).

(2) Unless a light vehicle is permanently registered under 61-3-562, the annual registration fee for light vehicles, trucks and buses under 1 ton, and logging trucks less than 1 ton is as follows:

(a) if the vehicle is 4 or less years old, $217;

(b) if the vehicle is 5 through 10 years old, $87; and

(3) Except as provided in subsection (15), the one-time registration fee based on the declared weight of a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is as follows:

(a) if the declared weight is less than 6,000 pounds, $61.25; or

(b) if the declared weight is 6,000 pounds or more, $148.25.

(4) Except as provided in subsection (15), the one-time registration fee for motor vehicles owned and operated solely as collector's items pursuant to 61-3-411, based on the weight of the vehicle, is as follows:

(a) 2,850 pounds and over, $10; and

(b) under 2,850 pounds, $5.

(5) Except as provided in subsection (15), the one-time registration fee for off-highway vehicles other than a quadricycle or motorcycle is $61.25.

(6) The annual registration fee for heavy trucks, buses, and logging trucks in excess of 1 ton is $22.75.

(7) (a) The annual registration fee for a motor home, based on the age of the motor home, is as follows:

(i) less than 2 years old, $282.50;

(ii) 2 years old and less than 5 years old, $224.25;

(iii) 5 years old and less than 8 years old, $132.50; and

(iv) 8 years old and older, $97.50.

(b) The owner of a motor home that is 11 years old or older and that is subject to the registration fee under this section may permanently register the motor home upon payment of:

(i) a one-time registration fee of $237.50;

(ii) unless a new set of license plates is being issued, an insurance verification fee of $5, which must be deposited in the account established under 61-6-158;

(iii) if applicable, five times the renewal fees for personalized license plates under 61-3-406; and

(iv) if applicable, the donation fee for a generic specialty license plate under 61-3-480 or a collegiate license plate under 61-3-465.

(8) (a) Except as provided in subsection (15), the one-time registration fee for motorcycles and quadricycles registered for use on public highways is $53.25, and the one-time registration fee for motorcycles and quadricycles registered for both off-road use and for use on the public highways is $114.50.

(b) An additional fee of $16 must be collected for the registration of each motorcycle or quadricycle as a safety fee, which must be deposited in the state motorcycle safety account provided for in 20-25-1002.

(9) Except as provided in subsection (15), the one-time registration fee for travel trailers, based on the length of the travel trailer, is as follows:

(a) under 16 feet in length, $72; and

(b) 16 feet in length or longer, $152.

(10) Except as provided in subsection (15), the one-time registration fee for a motorboat, sailboat, personal watercraft, or motorized pontoon required to be numbered under 23-2-512 is as follows:

(a) for a personal watercraft or a motorboat, sailboat, or motorized pontoon less than 16 feet in length, $65.50;

(b) for a motorboat, sailboat, or motorized pontoon at least 16 feet in length but less than 19 feet in length, $125.50; and

(11) (a) Except as provided in subsections (11)(b) and (15), the one-time registration fee for a snowmobile is $60.50.

(b) (i) A snowmobile that is licensed by a Montana business and is owned exclusively for the purpose of daily rental to customers is assessed:

(A) a fee of $40.50 in the first year of registration; and

(B) if the business reregisters the snowmobile for a second year, a fee of $20.

(ii) If the business reregisters the snowmobile for a third year, the snowmobile must be permanently registered and the business is assessed the registration fee imposed in subsection (11)(a).

(12) (a) The one-time registration fee for a low-speed electric vehicle is $25.

(b) The one-time registration fee for a golf cart that is owned by a person who has or is applying for a low-speed restricted driver's license is $25.

(c) The one-time registration fee for golf carts authorized to operate on certain public streets and highways pursuant to 61-8-391 is $25. Upon receipt of the fee, the department shall issue the owner a decal, which must be displayed visibly on the golf cart.

(13) (a) Except as provided in subsection (13)(b), a fee of $10 must be collected when a new set of standard license plates, a new single standard license plate, or a replacement set of special license plates required under 61-3-332 is issued. The $10 fee imposed under this subsection does not apply when previously issued license plates are transferred under 61-3-335. All registration fees imposed under this section must be paid if the vehicle to which the plates are transferred is not currently registered.

(b) An additional fee of $15 must be collected if a vehicle owner elects to keep the same license plate number from license plates issued before January 1, 2010, when replacement of those plates is required under 61-3-332(3).

(c) The fees imposed in this subsection (13) must be deposited in the account established under 61-6-158, except that $2 of the fee imposed in subsection (13)(a) must be deposited in the state general fund.

(14) The provisions of this part with respect to the payment of registration fees do not apply to and are not binding upon motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, snowmobiles, watercraft, or tractors owned or controlled by the United States of America or any state, county, city, or special district, as defined in 18-8-202, or to a vehicle or vessel that meets the description of property exempt from taxation under 15-6-201(1)(a), (1)(d), (1)(e), (1)(g), (1)(h), (1)(i), (1)(k), (1)(l), (1)(n), or (1)(o), 15-6-203, or 15-6-215, except as provided in 61-3-520.

(15) Whenever ownership of a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, off-highway vehicle, motorcycle, quadricycle, travel trailer, motor home, motorboat, sailboat, personal watercraft, motorized pontoon, snowmobile, motor vehicle owned and operated solely as a collector's item pursuant to 61-3-411, or low-speed electric vehicle is transferred, the new owner shall title and register the vehicle or vessel as required by this chapter and pay the fees imposed under this section.

(16) A person eligible for a waiver under 61-3-460 is exempt from the fees required under this section.

(17) Except as otherwise provided in this section, revenue collected under this section must be deposited in the state general fund.

(18) The fees imposed by subsections (2) through (12) are not required to be paid by a dealer for the enumerated vehicles or vessels that constitute inventory of the dealership.

(19) (a) Unless a person exercises the option in either subsection (19)(b) or (19)(c), an additional fee of $6 must be collected for each light vehicle registered under this part. This fee must be accounted for and transmitted separately from the registration fee. The fee must be deposited in an account in the state special revenue fund to be used for state parks, for fishing access sites, and for the operation of state-owned facilities. Of the $6 fee,: the department of fish, wildlife, and parks shall use

(i) $5.37 must be deposited in the state special revenue account established in 23-1-105 and used for state parks,;

(ii) 25 cents must be deposited in an account in the state special revenue fund to the credit of the department of fish and wildlife and used for fishing access sites,; and

(iii) and 38 cents must be deposited in the Montana heritage preservation and development account established in 22-3-1004 and used for the operation of state-owned facilities at Virginia City and Nevada City.

(b) A person who registers a light vehicle may, at the time of annual registration, certify that the person does not intend to use the vehicle to visit state parks and fishing access sites and may make a written election not to pay the additional $6 fee provided for in subsection (19)(a). If a written election is made, the fee may not be collected.

(c) (i) A person who registers one or more light vehicles may, at the time of annual registration, certify that the person does not intend to use any of the vehicles to visit state parks and fishing access sites and may make a written election not to pay the additional $6 fee provided for in subsection (19)(a). If a written election is made, the fee may not be collected at any subsequent annual registration unless the person makes the written election to pay the additional fee on one or more of the light vehicles.

(ii) The written election not to pay the additional fee on a light vehicle expires if the vehicle is registered to a different person.

(20) For each light vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, heavy truck, motor home, motorcycle, quadricycle, and travel trailer subject to a registration fee under this section, an additional fee of $5 must be collected and forwarded to the state for deposit in the account established in 44-1-504.

(21) This section does not apply to a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is governed by 61-3-721."

Section 95. Section 61-5-104, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-5-104. Exemptions. (1) The following persons are exempt from licensure under this chapter:

(a) a person who is a member of the armed forces of the United States while operating a motor vehicle owned by or leased to the United States government and being operated on official business;

(b) a person who is a member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty in Montana who holds a valid license issued by another state and the spouse of the person who holds a valid license issued by another state and who is not employed in Montana, except as a member of the armed forces. If a spouse of a member of the armed forces becomes gainfully employed in Montana, the spouse must be licensed, as required by 61-5-102, within 90 days of becoming employed.

(c) a person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States and in immediate possession of a valid license issued to that person in a foreign country by the armed forces of the United States, for a period of 45 days from the date of the person's return to the United States;

(d) a person who temporarily drives, operates, or moves a road machine, farm tractor, as defined in 61-9-102, or implement of husbandry for use in intrastate commerce on a highway;

(e) a person who is a locomotive engineer, assistant engineer, conductor, brake tender, railroad utility person, or other member of the crew of a railroad locomotive or train being operated upon rails, including operation on a railroad crossing a public street, road, or highway. A person employed as described in this subsection is not required to display a driver's license to a law enforcement officer in connection with the operation of a railroad train within Montana.

(f) a person who temporarily drives, operates, or moves an off-highway vehicle on a forest development road in this state, as defined in 61-8-110, that has been designated and approved for off-highway vehicle use by the United States forest service if the person:

(i) is under 16 years of age but at least 12 years of age; and

(ii) at the time of driving, operating, or moving the off-highway vehicle, has in the person's possession a certificate showing the successful completion of an off-highway vehicle safety education course approved by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks state parks and recreation board and is in the physical presence of a person who possesses a license issued under this chapter.

(2) A nonresident who is at least 15 years of age and who is in immediate possession of a valid operator's license issued to the nonresident by the nonresident's home state or country may operate a motor vehicle, except a commercial motor vehicle, in this state.

(3) (a) A nonresident who is in immediate possession of a valid commercial driver's license issued to the nonresident by the nonresident's home jurisdiction, in accordance with the licensing and testing standards of 49 CFR, part 383, may operate a commercial motor vehicle in this state.

(b) For the purpose of this chapter, "jurisdiction" means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, a province or territory of Canada, or the federal district of Mexico.

(4) A nonresident who is at least 18 years of age, whose home state or country does not require the licensing of operators, may operate a motor vehicle as an operator only, for a period of not more than 90 days in any calendar year, if the motor vehicle is registered in the home state or country of the nonresident.

(5) (a) A driver's license issued under this chapter to a person who enters the United States armed forces, if valid and in effect at the time that the person enters the service, continues in effect so long as the service continues, unless the license is suspended, revoked, or canceled for a cause as provided by law, and for up to 30 days following the date on which the licensee is honorably separated from the service.

(b) A person serving in the United States armed forces may renew the person's driver's license at any point of the person's service, and any renewed license continues in effect as long as the service continues, unless the license is suspended, revoked, or canceled for a cause as provided by law, and for up to 30 days following the date on which the licensee is honorably separated from the service.

(c) A person serving in the United States armed forces may apply for a Montana driver's license upon meeting the requirements in 61-5-103, and this license continues in effect as long as the service continues, unless the license is suspended, revoked, or canceled for a cause as provided by law, and for up to 30 days following the date on which the licensee is honorably separated from the service."

Section 96. Section 70-16-302, MCA, is amended to read:

"70-16-302. (Temporary) Restriction on liability of landowner -- definitions. (1) A person who uses property, including property owned or leased by a public entity, for recreational purposes, with or without permission, does so without any assurance from the landowner that the property is safe for any purpose if the person does not give a valuable consideration to the landowner in exchange for the recreational use of the property. The landowner owes the person no duty of care with respect to the condition of the property, except that the landowner is liable to the person for any injury to person or property for an act or omission that constitutes willful or wanton misconduct. For purposes of this section, valuable consideration does not include the state land recreational use license fee imposed under 77-1-802 or other funds provided under 77-1-815.

(2) As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(a) (i) "Airstrip" means improved or unimproved landing areas on private land used by pilots to land, park, take off, unload, load, and taxi aircraft.

(ii) The term does not include municipal airports governed under Title 67, chapter 10, part 1.

(b) "Flying of aircraft" means the operation of aircraft, including but not limited to landing, parking, taking off, unloading, loading, and taxiing of aircraft at an airstrip.

(c) "Landowner" means a person or entity of any nature, whether private, governmental, or quasi-governmental, and includes the landowner's agent, tenant, lessee, occupant, grantee of conservation easement, water users' association, irrigation district, drainage district, and persons or entities in control of the property or with an agreement to use or occupy property.

(d) "Property" means land, roads, airstrips, water, watercourses, and private ways. The term includes any improvements, buildings, structures, machinery, and equipment on property.

(3) The department of fish, wildlife, and parks state parks and recreation board, when operating under an agreement with a landowner or tenant to provide recreational snowmobiling opportunities, including but not limited to a snowmobile area, subject to the provisions of subsection (1), on the landowner's property and when not also acting as a snowmobile area operator on the property, does not extend any assurance that the property is safe for any purpose, and the department board, the landowner, or the landowner's tenant may not be liable to any person for any injury to person or property resulting from any act or omission of the department board unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct. (Void on occurrence of contingency--sec. 8, Ch. 596, L. 2003.)

70-16-302. (Effective on occurrence of contingency) Restriction on liability of landowner -- definitions. (1) A person who uses property, including property owned or leased by a public entity, for recreational purposes, with or without permission, does so without any assurance from the landowner that the property is safe for any purpose if the person does not give a valuable consideration to the landowner in exchange for the recreational use of the property. The landowner owes the person no duty of care with respect to the condition of the property, except that the landowner is liable to the person for any injury to person or property for an act or omission that constitutes willful or wanton misconduct. For purposes of this section, valuable consideration does not include the state land recreational use license fee imposed under 77-1-802.

(2) As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(a) (i) "Airstrip" means either improved or unimproved landing areas on private land used by pilots to land, park, take off, unload, load, and taxi aircraft.

(ii) The term does not include municipal airports governed under Title 67, chapter 10, part 1.

(b) "Flying of aircraft" means the operation of aircraft, including but not limited to landing, parking, taking off, unloading, loading, and taxiing of aircraft at an airstrip.

(d) "Property" means land, roads, airstrips, water, watercourses, and private ways. The term includes any improvements, buildings, structures, machinery, and equipment on property.

Section 97. Section 70-30-102, MCA, is amended to read:

"70-30-102. Public uses enumerated. Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the right of eminent domain may be exercised for the following public uses:

(1) all public uses authorized by the government of the United States;

(2) public buildings and grounds for the use of the state and all other public uses authorized by the legislature of the state;

(3) public buildings and grounds for the use of any county, city, town, or school district;

(4) canals, aqueducts, flumes, ditches, or pipes conducting water, heat, or gas for the use of the inhabitants of any county, city, or town;

(5) projects to raise the banks of streams, remove obstructions from streambanks, and widen, deepen, or straighten stream channels;

(6) water and water supply systems as provided in Title 7, chapter 13, part 44;

(7) roads, streets, alleys, controlled-access facilities, and other publicly owned buildings and facilities for the benefit of a county, city, or town or the inhabitants of a county, city, or town;

(8) acquisition of road-building material as provided in 7-14-2123;

(9) stock lanes as provided in 7-14-2621;

(10) parking areas as provided in 7-14-4501 and 7-14-4622;

(11) airport purposes as provided in 7-14-4801, 67-2-301, 67-7-210, and Title 67, chapters 10 and 11;

(12) urban renewal projects as provided in Title 7, chapter 15, parts 42 and 43, except that private property may be acquired for urban renewal through eminent domain only if the property is determined to be a blighted area, as defined in 7-15-4206(2)(a), (2)(h), (2)(k), or (2)(n), and may not be acquired for urban renewal through eminent domain if the purpose of the project is to increase government tax revenue;

(13) housing authority purposes as provided in Title 7, chapter 15, part 44;

(14) county recreational and cultural purposes as provided in 7-16-2105;

(15) city or town athletic fields and civic stadiums as provided in 7-16-4106;

(16) county cemetery purposes pursuant to 7-11-1021, cemetery association purposes as provided in 35-20-104, and state veterans' cemetery purposes as provided in 10-2-604;

(17) preservation of historical or archaeological sites as provided in 23-1-102 and 87-1-209(2) [section 47 50];

(18) public assistance purposes as provided in 53-2-201;

(19) highway purposes as provided in 60-4-103 and 60-4-104;

(20) common carrier pipelines as provided in 69-13-104;

(21) water supply, water transportation, and water treatment systems as provided in 75-6-313;

(22) mitigation of the release or threatened release of a hazardous or deleterious substance as provided in 75-10-720;

(23) the acquisition of nonconforming outdoor advertising as provided in 75-15-123;

(24) screening for or the relocation or removal of junkyards, motor vehicle graveyards, motor vehicle wrecking facilities, garbage dumps, and sanitary landfills as provided in 75-15-223;

(25) water conservation and flood control projects as provided in 76-5-1108;

(26) acquisition of natural areas as provided in 76-12-108;

(27) acquisition of water rights for the natural flow of water as provided in 85-1-204;

(28) property and water rights necessary for waterworks as provided in 85-1-209 and 85-7-1904;

(29) conservancy district purposes as provided in 85-9-410;

(30) wharves, docks, piers, chutes, booms, ferries, bridges, private roads, plank and turnpike roads, and railroads;

(31) canals, ditches, flumes, aqueducts, and pipes for:

(a) supplying mines, mills, and smelters for the reduction of ores;

(b) supplying farming neighborhoods with water and drainage;

(d) floating logs and lumber on streams that are not navigable;

(32) sites for reservoirs necessary for collecting and storing water. However, reservoir sites must possess a public use demonstrable to the district court as the highest and best use of the land.

(33) roads, tunnels, and dumping places for working mines, mills, or smelters for the reduction of ores;

(34) outlets, natural or otherwise, for the flow, deposit, or conduct of tailings or refuse matter from mines, mills, and smelters for the reduction of ores;

(35) an occupancy in common by the owners or the possessors of different mines of any place for the flow, deposit, or conduct of tailings or refuse matter from their several mines, mills, or smelters for reduction of ores and sites for reservoirs necessary for collecting and storing water for the mines, mills, or smelters. However, the reservoir sites must possess a public use demonstrable to the district court as the highest and best use of the land.

(36) private roads leading from highways to residences or farms;

(37) telephone or electrical energy lines, except that local government entities as defined in 2-7-501, municipal utilities, or competitive electricity suppliers may not use this chapter to acquire existing telephone or electrical energy lines and appurtenant facilities owned by a public utility or cooperative for the purpose of transmitting or distributing electricity or providing telecommunications services;

(38) telegraph lines;

(39) sewerage of any:

(a) county, city, or town or any subdivision of a county, city, or town, whether incorporated or unincorporated;

(b) settlement consisting of not less than 10 families; or

(40) tramway lines;

(41) logging railways;

(42) temporary logging roads and banking grounds for the transportation of logs and timber products to public streams, lakes, mills, railroads, or highways for a time that the court or judge may determine. However, the grounds of state institutions may not be used for this purpose.

(43) underground reservoirs suitable for storage of natural gas;

(44) projects to mine and extract ores, metals, or minerals owned by the condemnor located beneath or upon the surface of property where the title to the surface vests in others. However, the use of the surface of property for strip mining or open-pit mining of coal (i.e., any mining method or process in which the strata or overburden is removed or displaced in order to extract the coal) is not a public use, and eminent domain may not be exercised for this purpose.

(45) projects to restore and reclaim lands that were strip-mined or underground-mined for coal and not reclaimed in accordance with Title 82, chapter 4, part 2, and to abate or control adverse effects of strip or underground mining on those lands."

Section 98. Section 75-1-201, MCA, is amended to read:

"75-1-201. (Temporary) General directions -- environmental impact statements. (1) The legislature authorizes and directs that, to the fullest extent possible:

(a) the policies, regulations, and laws of the state must be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies set forth in parts 1 through 3;

(b) under this part, all agencies of the state, except the legislature and except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), shall:

(i) use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach that will ensure:

(A) the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and the environmental design arts in planning and in decisionmaking for a state-sponsored project that may have an impact on the Montana human environment by projects in Montana; and

(B) that in any environmental review that is not subject to subsection (1)(b)(iv), when an agency considers alternatives, the alternative analysis will be in compliance with the provisions of subsections (1)(b)(iv)(C)(I) and (1)(b)(iv)(C)(II) and, if requested by the project sponsor or if determined by the agency to be necessary, subsection (1)(b)(iv)(C)(III);

(ii) identify and develop methods and procedures that will ensure that presently unquantified environmental amenities and values may be given appropriate consideration in decisionmaking for state-sponsored projects, along with economic and technical considerations;

(iii) identify and develop methods and procedures that will ensure that state government actions that may impact the human environment in Montana are evaluated for regulatory restrictions on private property, as provided in subsection (1)(b)(iv)(D);

(iv) include in each recommendation or report on proposals for projects, programs, and other major actions of state government significantly affecting the quality of the human environment in Montana a detailed statement on:

(A) the environmental impact of the proposed action;

(B) any adverse effects on Montana's environment that cannot be avoided if the proposal is implemented;

(C) alternatives to the proposed action. An analysis of any alternative included in the environmental review must comply with the following criteria:

(I) any alternative proposed must be reasonable, in that the alternative must be achievable under current technology and the alternative must be economically feasible as determined solely by the economic viability for similar projects having similar conditions and physical locations and determined without regard to the economic strength of the specific project sponsor;

(II) the agency proposing the alternative shall consult with the project sponsor regarding any proposed alternative, and the agency shall give due weight and consideration to the project sponsor's comments regarding the proposed alternative;

(III) the agency shall complete a meaningful no-action alternative analysis. The no-action alternative analysis must include the projected beneficial and adverse environmental, social, and economic impact of the project's noncompletion.

(D) any regulatory impacts on private property rights, including whether alternatives that reduce, minimize, or eliminate the regulation of private property rights have been analyzed. The analysis in this subsection (1)(b)(iv)(D) need not be prepared if the proposed action does not involve the regulation of private property.

(E) the relationship between local short-term uses of the Montana human environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity;

(F) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed action if it is implemented;

(G) the customer fiscal impact analysis, if required by 69-2-216; and

(H) the details of the beneficial aspects of the proposed project, both short-term and long-term, and the economic advantages and disadvantages of the proposal;

(v) in accordance with the criteria set forth in subsection (1)(b)(iv)(C), study, develop, and describe appropriate alternatives to recommend courses of action in any proposal that involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources. If the alternatives analysis is conducted for a project that is not a state-sponsored project and alternatives are recommended, the project sponsor may volunteer to implement the alternative. Neither the alternatives analysis nor the resulting recommendations bind the project sponsor to take a recommended course of action, but the project sponsor may agree pursuant to subsection (4)(b) to a specific course of action.

(vi) recognize the potential long-range character of environmental impacts in Montana and, when consistent with the policies of the state, lend appropriate support to initiatives, resolutions, and programs designed to maximize cooperation in anticipating and preventing a decline in the quality of Montana's environment;

(vii) make available to counties, municipalities, institutions, and individuals advice and information useful in restoring, maintaining, and enhancing the quality of Montana's environment;

(viii) initiate and use ecological information in the planning and development of resource-oriented projects; and

(ix) assist the legislature and the environmental quality council established by 5-16-101;

(c) prior to making any detailed statement as provided in subsection (1)(b)(iv), the responsible state official shall consult with and obtain the comments of any state agency that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved in Montana and with any Montana local government, as defined in 7-12-1103, that may be directly impacted by the project. The responsible state official shall also consult with and obtain comments from any state agency in Montana with respect to any regulation of private property involved. Copies of the statement and the comments and views of the appropriate state, federal, and local agencies that are authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards must be made available to the governor, the environmental quality council, and the public and must accompany the proposal through the existing agency review processes.

(d) a transfer of an ownership interest in a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use or permission to act by an agency, either singly or in combination with other state agencies, does not trigger review under subsection (1)(b)(iv) if there is not a material change in terms or conditions of the entitlement or unless otherwise provided by law.

(2) (a) Except as provided in subsection (2)(b), an environmental review conducted pursuant to subsection (1) may not include a review of actual or potential impacts beyond Montana's borders. It may not include actual or potential impacts that are regional, national, or global in nature.

(b) An environmental review conducted pursuant to subsection (1) may include a review of actual or potential impacts beyond Montana's borders if it is conducted by:

(i) the department of fish, and wildlife, and parks for the management of wildlife and fish;

(ii) an agency reviewing an application for a project that is not a state-sponsored project to the extent that the review is required by law, rule, or regulation; or

(iii) a state agency and a federal agency to the extent the review is required by the federal agency.

(3) The department of public service regulation, in the exercise of its regulatory authority over rates and charges of railroads, motor carriers, and public utilities, is exempt from the provisions of parts 1 through 3.

(4) (a) The agency may not withhold, deny, or impose conditions on any permit or other authority to act based on parts 1 through 3 of this chapter.

(b) Nothing in this subsection (4) prevents a project sponsor and an agency from mutually developing measures that may, at the request of a project sponsor, be incorporated into a permit or other authority to act.

(c) Parts 1 through 3 of this chapter do not confer authority to an agency that is a project sponsor to modify a proposed project or action.

(5) (a) (i) A challenge to an agency action under this part may only be brought against a final agency action and may only be brought in district court or in federal court, whichever is appropriate.

(ii) Any action or proceeding challenging a final agency action alleging failure to comply with or inadequate compliance with a requirement under this part must be brought within 60 days of the action that is the subject of the challenge.

(iii) For an action taken by the board of land commissioners or the department of natural resources and conservation under Title 77, "final agency action" means the date that the board of land commissioners or the department of natural resources and conservation issues a final environmental review document under this part or the date that the board approves the action that is subject to this part, whichever is later.

(b) Any action or proceeding under subsection (5)(a)(ii) must take precedence over other cases or matters in the district court unless otherwise provided by law.

(c) Any judicial action or proceeding brought in district court under subsection (5)(a) involving an equine slaughter or processing facility must comply with 81-9-240 and 81-9-241.

(6) (a) (i) In an action alleging noncompliance or inadequate compliance with a requirement of parts 1 through 3, including a challenge to an agency's decision that an environmental review is not required or a claim that the environmental review is inadequate, the agency shall compile and submit to the court the certified record of its decision at issue, and except as provided in subsection (6)(b), the person challenging the decision has the burden of proving the claim by clear and convincing evidence contained in the record.

(ii) Except as provided in subsection (6)(b), in a challenge to the agency's decision or the adequacy of an environmental review, a court may not consider any information, including but not limited to an issue, comment, argument, proposed alternative, analysis, or evidence, that was not first presented to the agency for the agency's consideration prior to the agency's decision or within the time allowed for comments to be submitted.

(iii) Except as provided in subsection (6)(b), the court shall confine its review to the record certified by the agency. The court shall affirm the agency's decision or the environmental review unless the court specifically finds that the agency's decision was arbitrary and capricious or was otherwise not in accordance with law.

(iv) A customer fiscal impact analysis pursuant to 69-2-216 or an allegation that the customer fiscal impact analysis is inadequate may not be used as the basis of an action challenging or seeking review of the agency's decision.

(b) (i) When a party challenging the decision or the adequacy of the environmental review or decision presents information not in the record certified by the agency, the challenging party shall certify under oath in an affidavit that the information is new, material, and significant evidence that was not publicly available before the agency's decision and that is relevant to the decision or the adequacy of the agency's environmental review.

(ii) If upon reviewing the affidavit the court finds that the proffered information is new, material, and significant evidence that was not publicly available before the agency's decision and that is relevant to the decision or to the adequacy of the agency's environmental review, the court shall remand the new evidence to the agency for the agency's consideration and an opportunity to modify its decision or environmental review before the court considers the evidence as a part of the administrative record under review.

(iii) If the court finds that the information in the affidavit does not meet the requirements of subsection (6)(b)(i), the court may not remand the matter to the agency or consider the proffered information in making its decision.

(c) The remedy in any action brought for failure to comply with or for inadequate compliance with a requirement of parts 1 through 3 of this chapter is limited to remand to the agency to correct deficiencies in the environmental review conducted pursuant to subsection (1).

(d) A permit, license, lease, or other authorization issued by an agency is valid and may not be enjoined, voided, nullified, revoked, modified, or suspended pending the completion of an environmental review that may be remanded by a court.

(e) An individual or entity seeking a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement or authority to act may intervene in a lawsuit in court challenging a decision or statement by a department or agency of the state as a matter of right if the individual or entity has not been named as a defendant.

(f) Attorney fees or costs may not be awarded to the prevailing party in an action alleging noncompliance or inadequate compliance with a requirement of parts 1 through 3.

(7) For purposes of judicial review, to the extent that the requirements of this section are inconsistent with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, the requirements of this section apply to an environmental review or any severable portion of an environmental review within the state's jurisdiction that is being prepared by a state agency pursuant to this part in conjunction with a federal agency proceeding pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.

(8) The director of the agency responsible for the determination or recommendation shall endorse in writing any determination of significance made under subsection (1)(b)(iv) or any recommendation that a determination of significance be made.

(9) A project sponsor may request a review of the significance determination or recommendation made under subsection (8) by the appropriate board, if any. The appropriate board may, at its discretion, submit an advisory recommendation to the agency regarding the issue. The period of time between the request for a review and completion of a review under this subsection may not be included for the purposes of determining compliance with the time limits established for environmental review in 75-1-208. (Terminates on occurrence of contingency--sec. 11, Ch. 396, L. 2011.)

75-1-201. (Effective on occurrence of contingency) General directions -- environmental impact statements. (1) The legislature authorizes and directs that, to the fullest extent possible: