MontanaHB 5869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revise distributions mine remediation

Sponsored By: Jerry Schillinger (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Environmental ProtectionMining and MineralsState Finance

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Long-term cleanup funding for Libby and mines

The law keeps dedicated cleanup funding in place through June 30, 2038. Each year, $500,000 first goes to long-term maintenance and water treatment at the CR Kendall site. After the required biennial deposit, $1.2 million a year goes to a long-term water treatment trust when enough funds remain. The state keeps the rule that splits deposits between the Libby asbestos cleanup and abandoned metal mine projects and allows transfers to the Environmental Quality Protection Fund. The Kendall transfer happens before other metal-mine project transfers.

Faster cleanup at abandoned mines

Projects that use this abandoned mine cleanup money are no longer subject to Part 7 rules. This can speed work and cut paperwork. It may also remove some protections those rules provided. The change applies only to projects funded under this cleanup program.

Program runs 2025 through 2038

The law takes effect July 1, 2025. All changes and funding end June 30, 2038, unless extended. After that, the transfers and rule changes stop.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jerry Schillinger
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Mike Cuffe
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 286 • No: 10

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/26/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 44 • No: 6

House vote • 1/24/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 96 • No: 1

House vote • 1/20/2025