Mont. Code Ann. § 2-5-102

The purpose of this part is to establish a framework for the conduct of negotiated rulemaking consistent with the Montana Administrative Procedure Act and the constitutional right of Montanans to participate in the operation of governmental agencies and to encourage agencies to use negotiated rulemaking when it enhances the rulemaking process. As authorized by 2-4-304, it is the intent of the legislature that state agencies, whenever appropriate, use the negotiated rulemaking process to resolve controversial issues prior to the commencement of the formal rulemaking process. However, negotiated rulemaking is not a substitute for the public notification and participation requirements of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act, and a consensus agreement by a negotiated rulemaking committee may be modified by an agency as a result of the subsequent rulemaking process. This part may not be construed as an attempt to limit innovation and experimentation with the negotiated rulemaking process.