3-7-103. Promulgation of rules and prescription of forms — advisory committee. (1) As soon as practicable the Montana supreme court may promulgate special rules of practice and procedure and shall prescribe forms for use in connection with this chapter and Title 85, chapter 2, parts 2 and 7, in consultation with the water judge and the department of natural resources and conservation.

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(2)(a) The chief water judge shall appoint a water adjudication advisory committee to provide recommendations to the water court, the Montana supreme court, the department of natural resources and conservation, and the legislature on methods to improve and expedite the water adjudication process.

(b)The committee consists of three nongovernmental attorneys who practice before the water court, one district court judge, and three water users who have filed statements of claim with the department of natural resources and conservation under this chapter.

(c)The chief water judge or the judge’s designee shall serve as an ex officio member of the committee. The Montana supreme court may appoint the attorney general or the attorney general’s designee, a representative from the department of natural resources and conservation, and a representative of the United States government as ex officio members of the committee.

(d)The committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the water court and shall serve without compensation.

(e)The committee shall file a report with the Montana supreme court by October 1, 1996, and as often as determined by the Montana supreme court.