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- 2025
69th Legislature 2025 HB 935
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 935
ENROLLED BILL
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A STUDY OF DEPARTMENT SUSPENSION OR CLOSURE OF NEW GROUND
WATER APPROPRIATIONS IN THE FOX HILLS-HELL CREEK AQUIFER; PROVIDING FOR A FEASIBILITY
STUDY OF GROUND WATER AVAILABILITY; PROVIDING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; AND
PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE AND A TERMINATION DATE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
Section 1. Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer -- ground water study. (1) The bureau of mines and
geology shall complete a feasibility study on ground water availability from the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer in
the department administrative boundaries 39E, 39FJ, 39G, 39H, 40D, 40E, 40P, 40Q, 40R, 40S, 42A, 42C,
42J, 42K, 42KJ, 42L, and 42M. The study may include:
(a) the compilation and update of new geologic and hydrogeologic data;
(b) a limited field collection of water levels and pressure for wells with historical data;
(c) a preliminary water budget for the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer; and
(d) a preliminary model to evaluate the effects of pumping on water levels and pressure.
(2) The bureau shall report the progress and results of its study to the water policy interim
committee established in 5-5-231. The committee shall consider the results of the study and make
recommendations to the legislature for department suspension or closure of new ground water appropriations
from the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer.
Section 2. Codification instruction. [Section 1] is intended to be codified as an integral part of Title
85, chapter 2, part 3, and the provisions of Title 85, chapter 2, part 3, apply to [section 1].
Section 3. Effective date. [This act] is effective on passage and approval.
- 2025
69th Legislature 2025 HB 935
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – HB 935
ENROLLED BILL
Section 4. Termination. [This act] terminates June 30, 2027.
- END -
I hereby certify that the within bill,
HB 935, originated in the House.
___________________________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
___________________________________________
Speaker of the House
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
___________________________________________
President of the Senate
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
HOUSE BILL NO. 935
INTRODUCED BY M. THIEL, B. CARTER, S. MANESS, R. MINER, G. OBLANDER, G. PARRY, J.
SCHILLINGER
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A STUDY OF DEPARTMENT SUSPENSION OR CLOSURE OF NEW GROUND
WATER APPROPRIATIONS IN THE FOX HILLS-HELL CREEK AQUIFER; PROVIDING FOR A FEASIBILITY
STUDY OF GROUND WATER AVAILABILITY; PROVIDING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; AND PROVIDING
AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE AND A TERMINATION DATE.