Conservation District Law Updates

The 2025 Legislative Session commences January 6. In preparation for session and by request of conservation districts, DNRC reviewed two CD laws and is issuing new information on the following laws:

76-15-315. Administrative functions of supervisors. (4) The supervisors shall:

(a) provide for the execution of surety bonds for all employees and officers who are entrusted with funds or property;

Update: Surety bonds are required to provide a layer of protection for the board of supervisors and the employees who have access to district financial assets. Surety bonds ensure that the employee will perform a task or complete a job lawfully. The surety agrees to be liable to the board if the employee fails to follow through with the requirements of the bond. If someone files a claim on the bond, the bond guarantees that the surety will be accountable for the fault of the principal. Surety bonds are widely available and CDs are legally required to purchase them per 76-15-315, MCA. Check with your county attorney or insurance provider for information about bond amounts and cost to your district.

76-15-525. Payment of district money — warrants. The treasurer of the principal county shall pay out money of the district only upon warrants of the county auditor or, in those counties not having an auditor, the county clerk and recorder, drawn upon order of the supervisors of the district and signed by at least two of such supervisors.

Update: The two signature requirement under 76-15-525 applies when the district is drawing its money from the treasurer. Once it does that and deposits the money into a bank account, the district can expend funds from that bank account without needing two signatures to discharge district funds for its operational expenses.