116TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION S. 3019
To protect access to water for all Montanans, and for other purposes.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
DECEMBER 11, 2019
Mr. DAINES (for himself and Mr. TESTER) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs
A BILL
To protect access to water for all Montanans, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Montana Water Rights Protection Act’’.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are—(1) to achieve a fair, equitable, and final settlement of claims to water rights in the State of Montana, and in recognition of article I, and section 3
•S 3019 IS of article IX, of the Montana State Constitution for— (A) the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation; and (B) the United States, for the benefit of the Tribes and allottees;
(2) to authorize, ratify, and confirm the water rights compact entered into by the Tribes and the State, to the extent that the Compact is consistent with this Act;
(3) to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Interior—
(A) to execute the Compact; and (B) to take any other action necessary to carry out the Compact in accordance with this Act; and (4) to authorize funds necessary for the implementation of— (A) the Compact; and (B) this Act.