“Ditch Bill” Dead…Probably

In a rare occurrence this legislative session, the Montana GOP actually seemed to listen to the voices of Montanans telling them that their extreme agenda does not represent the will of Montanans.

Today, the Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee likely killed the so-called “ditch bill.” This bill would have restricted the rights of Montanans to access hundreds of miles of public waterways in the state. It would have done this by redefining what is a ditch in the state.

The bill was pushed by wealthy out-of-state landowners.

During the hearing on the bill earlier this month, Republicans met fierce opposition to the bill by more than 300 sportsmen from all over the state who descended on the Capitol to have their voices heard.

During today’s executive action session, members of the committee attempted to amend 90% of the bill out so that it wasn’t as egregious. However, Republicans were quickly informed that they were not legally allowed to make such a substantial change to the bill, and instead would have to have a new bill drafted. The committee members decided to table this bill, likely killing it.

There is still talk that Republicans may try to have a replacement bill drafted with their desired amendments, however with the deadline for most bills to be drafted already passed and only a few days left in this legislative session, the likelihood of this bill making it through the session is slim.