85-2-105. Water policy interim committee duties. (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)On a continuing basis, the water policy interim committee may:

(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;

(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;

(c)assist with interagency coordination related to Montana’s water resources; and

(d)communicate with the public on matters of water policy as well as the water resources of the state.

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

(a)analyze and comment on the state water plan required by 85-1-203, when filed by the department;

(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;

(c)analyze and comment on water-related research undertaken by any state agency, institution, college, or university;

(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

(e)provide recommendations and a report, if one is written, in accordance with 5-5-216 for studies completed by the committee.