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MontanaSB 16869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise laws related to lakeshore protection

Sponsored By: Greg Hertz (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Environmental ProtectionPropertyFishLocal Government

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Three-year window, with exceptions, for lakeshore claims

The law sets a 3-year deadline to start claims for lakeshore rule violations on clearly visible structures in the lakeshore protection zone. The 3 years run from the later of when construction finished or when a permit was issued. This applies to boat ramps, boathouses, boat shore stations, boat rail systems, docks, piers, wharfs, retaining walls, roads, and similar items. The time limit does not apply if the item was built illegally and it causes documented, material harm to the lake or blocks navigation or other lawful recreation.

Payments to remove lake structures

The state or your local government can pay you to remove or change a listed lakeshore structure. They must decide the change is in the best interests of lakeshore protection and aquatic life. The law does not set payment amounts or guarantee a payment.

Small lakeshore repairs skip permits

Minor ongoing maintenance, minor remodeling, or minor changes to these structures do not need a new lakeshore permit. Work is minor if your paid costs are under $10,000 over five years; do not count unpaid work you or others do for free. The exemption does not apply if the work involves significant excavation or dredging, adds fill, harms aquatic life, or interferes with navigation or lawful recreation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Greg Hertz

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Courtenay Sprunger

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 86

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 64 • No: 35

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 63 • No: 37

Senate vote • 2/18/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 44 • No: 6

Senate vote • 2/15/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 42 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/8/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/5/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/25/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/25/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/21/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/12/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/11/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading

    4/11/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/10/2025House

  10. Committee Report

    4/9/2025House

  11. Committee Executive Action

    4/8/2025House

  12. Hearing

    3/6/2025House

  13. 1st Reading

    2/19/2025House

  14. Referred to Committee

    2/19/2025House

  15. Transmitted to House

    2/18/2025Senate

  16. 3rd Reading

    2/18/2025Senate

  17. 2nd Reading

    2/15/2025Senate

  18. Committee Report

    2/11/2025Senate

  19. Committee Executive Action

    2/10/2025Senate

  20. Hearing

    1/23/2025Senate

  21. Referred to Committee

    1/21/2025Senate

  22. 1st Reading

    1/20/2025Senate

  23. Introduced

    1/17/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    2/11/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/17/2025

    PDF

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