All Roll Calls
Yes: 610 • No: 24
MontanaHB 93569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House
Limits to Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer withdrawals
Sponsored By: Morgan Thiel (Republican)
Became Law
WaterRevenue, StateAppropriations
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Study of Fox Hills water supply
The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology must study groundwater in the Fox Hills‑Hell Creek aquifer. The area includes DNRC boundaries 39E, 39FJ, 39G, 39H, 40D, 40E, 40P, 40Q, 40R, 40S, 42A, 42C, 42J, 42K, 42KJ, 42L, and 42M. The study may compile new geologic and water data, collect some well levels and pressures, build a preliminary water budget, and model pumping effects. The bureau reports progress and results to the Water Policy Interim Committee, which reviews them and makes recommendations to the Legislature. This requirement lasts until June 30, 2027.
Aquifer limits and study end June 2027
This act takes effect on passage and approval. All new authorities and study requirements end June 30, 2027. After that date, the suspension and closure power and the study requirement end unless extended by law.
Limits on large Fox Hills wells
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation can pause or refuse a class of new groundwater permits from the Fox Hills‑Hell Creek aquifer. This applies only to projects that would pump 3,000 gallons per minute or more. The department can suspend action on applications or close the source and refuse those applications. Area covered: administrative boundaries 39E, 39FJ, 39G, 39H, 40D, 40E, 40P, 40Q, 40R, 40S, 42A, 42C, 42J, 42K, 42KJ, 42L, and 42M. The goal is to balance development and protect existing water rights. This authority lasts until June 30, 2027.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Morgan Thiel
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Russ Miner
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/30/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 100 • No: 0
House vote • 4/29/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 99 • No: 0
House vote • 4/25/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 41 • No: 8
House vote • 4/23/2025
Do Concur As Amended
Yes: 45 • No: 4
House vote • 4/23/2025
AMD-HB0935.003.002 Flowers D/PASS
Yes: 37 • No: 11
House vote • 4/5/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 98 • No: 0
House vote • 4/4/2025
Cloture-Duram
Yes: 91 • No: 1
House vote • 4/4/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 99 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/19/2025HouseSigned by Governor
5/13/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor
5/7/2025HouseSigned by President
5/6/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/5/2025HouseReturned from Enrolling
5/1/2025HouseSent to Enrolling
4/30/2025House3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate
4/30/2025House2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred
4/29/2025HouseReturned to House with Amendments
4/25/2025Senate3rd Reading Concurred
4/25/2025Senate2nd Reading Concurred as Amended
4/23/2025Senate2nd Reading Motion to Amend Carried
4/23/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/16/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/14/2025SenateFiscal Note Printed
4/8/2025HouseFiscal Note Unsigned
4/8/2025HouseHearing
4/8/2025SenateRevised Fiscal Note Received
4/8/2025HouseReferred to Committee
4/7/2025SenateFirst Reading
4/7/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
4/5/2025House3rd Reading Passed
4/5/2025House2nd Reading Passed
4/4/2025HouseRevised Fiscal Note Requested
4/3/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/30/2025
As Amended (Version 4)
4/23/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
4/16/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
4/3/2025
Introduced
3/31/2025