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Bill offering three-year statute of limitations on shoreline work draws environmental opposition
Summary
Sen. Greg Hertz said SB 168 provides a three-year statute of limitations for certain lakeshore structures while exempting illegal works that cause documented material harm; environmental groups and counties warned the change could hamper enforcement and allow violations to remain unaddressed.
Sen. Greg Hertz (Senate District 7) told the Local Government Committee that Senate Bill 168 creates a three-year statute of limitations after completion of construction for many lakeshore structures — docks, boat houses, retaining walls and similar works — while excluding illegal constructions that cause "documented material harm" to shoreline stability, water quality, navigation or aquatic life.
"So this bill might look familiar to some of you who were here last session because it did get all the way to the governor's desk, and then he decided to veto it," Hertz said, explaining revisions made after discussions with the governor's office and other stakeholders.
Proponents including Mark Taylor, a Helena attorney who…
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