Bills · HR 716
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 716MontanaLakes and rivers
Fill the Lake Act
INTRO JAN 23· LAST ACTION JAN 23
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
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READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because consistent water levels in Flathead Lake during the summer can significantly impact the local economy, property owners, and recreational users. Predictable lake levels can enhance tourism by ensuring boat launches, docks, and beaches are consistently usable, which supports businesses reliant on visitor traffic. For property owners, stable levels can help protect shorelines from erosion and ensure continued access to the lake from their properties.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a more stable and predictable recreational season, potentially boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors. If it does not pass, water levels would continue to be managed under existing regulations, which might allow for more significant fluctuations due to natural conditions or other water management priorities, potentially creating uncertainty for lake users and businesses.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to ensure Flathead Lake maintains a specific water level between 2892 and 2893 feet above mean sea level.
This sets a precise and narrow range for the lake's water level during a critical period.
PROVISION 02
Requires this specific water level management to occur annually from June 15 through September 15.
This targets the most popular and important recreational months for the lake.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that water from Hungry Horse Reservoir be used to achieve the minimum lake level.
This identifies the specific source of water for maintaining the lake's lower limit.
PROVISION 04
Requires the release of excess water downstream to maintain the maximum lake level.
This specifies the method for preventing the lake from overfilling beyond the set upper limit.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Montana
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
15
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 23
Introduced in House
JAN 23
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 716
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 23, 2025
Last actionJan 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025
House BillHR 716MontanaLakes and rivers
Fill the Lake Act
INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
1 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
