1. (1) The water policy interim committee established in 5-5-231 shall meet as often as necessary, including during the interim between sessions, to perform the duties specified within this section.

2. (2) On a continuing basis, the water policy interim committee may:

   1. (a) advise the legislature on the adequacy of the state's water policy and on important state, regional, national, and international developments that affect Montana's water resources;
   2. (b) oversee the policies and activities of the department, other state executive agencies, and other state institutions as those policies and activities affect the water resources of the state;
   3. (c) assist with interagency coordination related to Montana's water resources; and
   4. (d) communicate with the public on matters of water policy as well as the water resources of the state.

3. (3) On a regular basis, the water policy interim committee shall:

   1. (a) analyze and comment on the state water plan required by 85-1-203, when filed by the department;
   2. (b) analyze and comment on the report of the status of the state's renewable resource grant and loan program required by 85-1-621, when filed by the department;
   3. (c) analyze and comment on water-related research undertaken by any state agency, institution, college, or university;
   4. (d) analyze, verify, and comment on the adequacy of and information contained in the water information system maintained by the natural resource information system under 90-15-305; and
   5. (e) provide recommendations and a report, if one is written, in accordance with 5-5-216 for studies completed by the committee.

History: En. Sec. 20, Ch. 573, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 59, Ch. 112, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 31, Ch. 478, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 441, Ch. 418, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 72, Ch. 545, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 45, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 275, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 285, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 122, L. 2015; amd. Sec. 118, Ch. 261, L. 2021.