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WPIC reviews exempt-well legislation and begins to define study focus
Summary
The Water Policy Interim Committee reviewed staff materials on proposed 2025 exempt-well legislation, heard public comment from municipal and agricultural representatives, and discussed priority study areas including data gaps and local impacts. No formal change to law was taken; work to refine study scope continued.
On Oct. 21, 2025, the Montana Water Policy Interim Committee (WPIC) reviewed staff materials and stakeholder input on proposed 2025 exempt-well legislation. Toni Henneman, lead staff for the committee, presented the bill packet and background exhibits (Exhibit 37). Committee members questioned staff and DNRC officials about statutory definitions of exempt wells and the practical implications for municipal water supplies and agricultural users.
Public comment featured municipal and agricultural perspectives. Kelly Lynch of the Montana League of Cities and Towns said cities are concerned about local infrastructure and data needed to assess the impacts of expanded exempt-well allowances. Jocelyn Cahill of the Senior Ag Water Rights Alliance (SAWRA) and Nicole Rolf of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation emphasized concerns about preserving water access for agricultural users under current law. Rep. Kenneth Walsh also offered comments during the public-comment portion.
Committee discussion, led by Presiding Officer Sen. Wylie Galt and Vice Presiding Officer Jill Cohenour, focused on narrowing a study scope that would allow staff to analyze data gaps, local impacts, and definitional questions. Dr. Anna Pakenham Stevenson of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation clarified which technical data the agency can provide for study use and highlighted current limits in available datasets.
The committee did not adopt statutory changes at the meeting; members instead examined options for a focused work plan to guide staff analysis and future recommendations. The discussion on exempt wells continued later in the agenda under an explicit agenda item for identifying the study focus.
