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MontanaSB 52069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise laws regarding mining leases on state lands

Sponsored By: Tony Tezak (Republican)

Signed by Governor

PropertyMining and MineralsState Lands

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Longer terms for metal mining leases

All state leases for mining metals or gems have a primary term of at least 10 years. The lease stays in force as long as minerals or gems are produced in commercial amounts. If a court order or agency review delays a lease or related permit, the primary term is extended for the same time. If you get an exploration license for that land, the lease is extended for the licensed exploration period. If the land is covered by an active mining or mine-site permit and you follow the lease, it cannot end at the primary term. The lease gives you exclusive possession of the leased minerals, subject to any stated reservations. If a land grant limits terms, the board sets a matching term.

Longer terms for nonmetal mineral leases

Leases for nonmetallic minerals have a primary term of at least 10 years and stay in force while minerals are produced in commercial amounts. If nonproduction would end the lease, you may pay a nonproduction royalty to get a one-time 5-year extension. The board sets the royalty amount. If a court or agency delay affects the lease or related permit, the primary term is extended for that time. If you hold an exploration license, the lease is extended for the licensed exploration period. If a land grant limits terms, the board sets a matching term.

Board can amend or extend leases

The board can change terms or extend a lease or prospecting permit if you agree. Any change must follow limits in state law. The board sets terms it considers best.

Protects proprietary mine geology data

The department keeps proprietary geological information you submit out of public view. It must stay confidential for at least 5 years after the lease or permit ends. The department can keep it confidential longer if needed to protect your economic interests and the public’s interest.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tony Tezak

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Barry Usher

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 294 • No: 104

Senate vote • 4/18/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 46 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 49 • No: 1

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 61 • No: 38

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 61 • No: 39

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 41 • No: 9

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 36 • No: 13

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/16/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/5/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    5/5/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/29/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/25/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/22/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading House Amendments

    4/18/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading House Amendments

    4/17/2025Senate

  10. Returned to Senate with Amendments

    4/11/2025House

  11. 3rd Reading

    4/11/2025House

  12. 2nd Reading

    4/10/2025House

  13. Committee Report

    4/1/2025House

  14. Committee Executive Action

    3/31/2025House

  15. Hearing

    3/24/2025House

  16. 1st Reading

    3/17/2025House

  17. Referred to Committee

    3/17/2025House

  18. Transmitted to House

    3/7/2025Senate

  19. 3rd Reading

    3/6/2025Senate

  20. 2nd Reading

    3/6/2025Senate

  21. Committee Report

    3/4/2025Senate

  22. Fiscal Note Printed

    3/4/2025Senate

  23. Committee Executive Action

    3/3/2025Senate

  24. Fiscal Note Unsigned

    3/3/2025Senate

  25. Fiscal Note Received

    3/3/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    4/1/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/26/2025

    PDF

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