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69th Legislature HJ 74
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 74
ENROLLED BILL
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY EXAMINING WATER REUSE; AND REQUIRING THAT THE
FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, Montana's water resources are of exceptional quality and are a valuable resource to the
residents of the state; and
WHEREAS, water reuse, also known as water recycling, is a process in which wastewater is purified
for a designated beneficial freshwater purpose; and
WHEREAS, the potential uses of recycled water include agricultural, industrial, and municipal
purposes; and
WHEREAS, water reuse is a tool to promote sustainable and resilient water supplies and protect
environmentally sensitive resources; and
WHEREAS, there may exist technical, regulatory, financial, and educational roadblocks preventing the
implementation of water reuse programs in Montana; and
WHEREAS, individualizing levels of treatment for specific uses is more cost and energy efficient than a
standardized treatment approach; and
WHEREAS, opportunities for water reuse may be underexplored in Montana.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA to:
(1) examine existing statutes and administrative rules related to water reuse;
69th Legislature HJ 74
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 74
ENROLLED BILL
(2) analyze existing reuse infrastructure, including the volume, timing, use, and availability of
reused water;
(3) examine how other states have implemented water reuse in the public and private sectors;
(4) analyze what industries, except agriculture, and geographic areas in the state currently
implement water reuse programs and what industries and geographic areas in the state may benefit from water
reuse programs;
(5) determine what legal, economic, and social barriers exist for industries and communities
attempting to implement water reuse programs;
(6) analyze what economic, environmental, and population factors necessitate the implementation
of water reuse programs; and
(7) if necessary, propose legislation to incentivize and facilitate water reuse programs in the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature.
- END -
I hereby certify that the within bill,
HJ 74, 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 JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 74
INTRODUCED BY B. CARTER, M. CUNNINGHAM, B. EDWARDS, S. KLAKKEN, J. SECKINGER, P.
STRAND, R. MINER, G. OBLANDER, K. WALSH, J. COHENOUR, D. HAWK, M. MARLER, T. RUNNING
WOLF
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY EXAMINING WATER REUSE; AND REQUIRING THAT THE
FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.