Native Americans

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2025

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act This bill authorizes a land exchange between the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (also federally recognized as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians) and the federal government. The tribe is located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near the cities of Highland and San Bernardino in California. Specifically, if the tribe offers to convey to the federal government all right, title, and interest of the tribe in and to approximately 1,460 acres of land, then the Forest Service must accept the offer and convey all right, title, and interest of the federal government in and to approximately 1,475 acres of National Forest System land. The Forest Service must accept the offer and convey the land as soon as practicable within 120 days of receiving the offer. As a condition of the land exchange, within 120 days of the bill's enactment, the tribe must enter into an agreement with the Forest Service under which the tribe agrees to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of the Arrowhead landmark site. The site is located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains directly above San Bernardino, California. Land acquired by the Forest Service shall become part of the San Bernardino National Forest.

To provide for the equitable settlement of certain Indian land disputes regarding land in Illinois, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2025

This bill confers jurisdiction to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma's land claim arising under the Treaty of Grouseland. The court must render judgement without regard to the statute of limitations or any delay-based defense. This jurisdiction expires unless such a claim is filed within one year. All other claims, including any future claims, of the tribe to land in Illinois are extinguished.

Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2025

Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025 This bill modifies and ratifies a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the United States, Montana, and the Fort Belknap Indian Community of the Fort Belknap Reservation of Montana (i.e., the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes). The bill also authorizes wastewater infrastructure on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. The bill requires the community's water rights to be held in trust for the benefit of the community and its allottees. The community must enact a tribal water code to regulate its water rights. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (as applicable) to enter negotiations with Montana to exchange certain state lands for federal lands to be held in trust for the benefit of the community. The bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust. The bill also establishes the Aaniiih Nakoda Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill, establishes the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement Implementation Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill, and provides funding for specified accounts established by the bill. The bill also authorizes Interior to plan, design, construct, operate, maintain, and replace community water distribution and wastewater treatment facilities for the Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation of Montana.

Unlocking Native Lands and Opportunities for Commerce and Key Economic Developments Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2025

A bill to amend the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act to modify a provision relating to the extension of certain dates for the completion of the Regional Water System, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2025

Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2025

Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025 This bill takes approximately 265 acres of specified lands in El Dorado County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. The bill revokes a specified public land order and administratively transfers the land from the Forest Service to the Department of the Interior. (In the public land order, the land was designated for use by the Forest Service as an experiment station.) The bill directs Interior to take the following lands into trust for the benefit of the tribe: (1) approximately 80 acres of federal land managed by Interior's Bureau of Land Management (which includes the land transferred from the Forest Service), and (2) approximately 185 acres of fee land held by the tribe. These combined lands, approximately 265 acres, shall be part of the tribe's reservation. Further, the bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.

Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2025

Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025 This bill takes approximately 204.14 acres of specified lands in El Dorado County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. The bill revokes a specified public land order and administratively transfers the land from the Forest Service to the Department of the Interior. (In the public land order, the land was designated for use by the Forest Service as an experiment station.) The bill directs Interior to take the following lands into trust for the benefit of the tribe: (1) approximately 85.3 acres of federal land managed by Interior's Bureau of Land Management (which includes the land transferred from the Forest Service), and (2) approximately 118.84 acres of fee land held by the tribe. These combined lands, approximately 204.14 acres, shall be part of the tribe's reservation. Further, the bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.

A bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2025

This bill authorizes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease their land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years. Both tribes are located in Massachusetts.

To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the “Long-Term Leasing Act”), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2025

This bill authorizes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease their land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years. Both tribes are located in Massachusetts.

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2025

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act This bill takes approximately 1,082.63 acres of specified lands in Washington into trust for the benefit of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Land taken into trust shall be part of the tribe's reservation. Further, the bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.

Tribal Warrant Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2025

Tribal Warrant Fairness Act This bill authorizes the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to assist with certain tribal law enforcement activities and allows tribal law enforcement agencies to participate in regional fugitive task forces. Specifically, the bill authorizes the USMS, upon the request of an Indian tribe, to investigate tribal fugitive matters. The USMS may investigate tribal fugitive matters both within and outside the United States, as directed by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Additionally, the USMS, upon the request of tribal law enforcement agencies, may assist these agencies in locating and recovering missing children. The bill also allows tribal law enforcement agencies to participate in regional fugitive task forces. DOJ must consult with tribes when establishing new task forces. (The USMS oversees regional fugitive task forces. Currently, these task forces combine the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend fugitives.)

A resolution recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2025

This resolution recognizes the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States.

Tribal Access to Electronic Evidence Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2025

Tribal Access to Electronic Evidence Act This bill allows tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic material. The Stored Communications Act (SCA) generally prohibits providers of electronic communication services (e.g., cell phone providers, email providers, or social media platforms) and remote computing services (e.g., cloud computing providers) from knowingly disclosing stored electronic communications or records (e.g., emails) or information pertaining to customers or subscribers. However, the SCA authorizes governmental entities to compel service providers to disclose electronic communication information through a court-issued warrant, a court order, or an administrative subpoena. This bill gives tribal courts the same authority as other governmental entities (e.g., state courts) to compel service providers to disclose stored electronic communication information through court-issued warrants, court orders, or administrative subpoenas.

A resolution designating February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Ōlelo Hawai'i Month".

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 2025

This resolution designates February 2025 as Hawaiian Language Month or 'Ōlelo Hawai'i Month.

IHS Provider Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2025

To authorize, ratify, and confirm the Agreement of Settlement and Compromise to Resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim in the State of New York, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2025

This bill recognizes and settles the Akwesasne land claim in northern New York. (Akwesasne is a Mohawk territory that extends into the United States and Canada, specifically New York, Ontario, and Quebec.) The bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified settlement agreement entered into by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT), the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the State of New York, Franklin and Saint Lawrence Counties in New York, the towns of Fort Covington and Bombay in New York, and the New York Power Authority. (Among its provisions, the settlement agreement restores land rights and provides access to land to SRMT, provides tuition assistance for tribal members to certain postsecondary institutions, and requires the New York Power Authority to make annual payments to SRMT.) Additionally, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms any transfer of land, right-of-way, or easement that is the subject of claims in specified court cases. The bill also recognizes as Indian country any land owned or subsequently acquired by SRMT within the settlement acquisition areas. (The term Indian country , for purposes of criminal jurisdiction, generally refers to all lands within a tribal reservation, dependent Indian communities, and tribal allotments.)

Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2025

Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act This bill extends from 72 hours to 15 days the time period to notify the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program of emergency medical care received from a non-Indian Health Service (IHS) medical provider or at a non-IHS medical facility. This bill does not apply to individuals who are elderly or disabled, who continue to have a 30-day notification requirement for emergency services. The IHS provides medical and dental services directly to American Indian and Alaska Native patients whenever possible. The PRC program pays for medical or dental care that is provided away from an IHS or tribal health care facility. The PRC program must be notified of requests for authorization of payment for health care services from a non-IHS provider. Currently in emergency cases, the patient, an individual on behalf of the patient, or the medical care provider must, within 72 hours after the beginning of treatment for the condition or after admission to a health care facility, notify a PRC authorizing official of the need for the emergency medical care. This bill instead allows the patient, other individual, or provider to notify PRC within 15 days of the treatment or admission.

Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 the Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA) and expands the lands and activities eligible for inclusion in the TFPA. Currently under the TFPA, the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may enter into contracts and agreements with Indian tribes for tribes to carry out land management projects on federal lands. These projects are designed to protect Indian forest lands and rangelands from wildfire, disease, and other threats coming from federal lands. However, the TFPA is currently limited to projects on federal lands that border or are adjacent to Indian forest lands and rangelands under the jurisdiction of the tribe. This bill removes certain limitations of the TFPA, first by expanding the definition of Indian forest land or rangeland to include land in Alaska that is held by Alaska Native corporations, thereby allowing these corporations to participate in TFPA projects. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that TFPA projects must occur on federal lands that border or are adjacent to Indian forest lands or rangelands. The bill instead requires the federal land involved to have a special geographic, historical, or cultural significance to the tribe. The bill allows TFPA projects to be carried out directly on Indian forest lands and rangelands. (Currently, the TFPA only applies to work conducted on federal lands and not on tribal lands.) The bill also updates a requirement for Interior and USDA to report to Congress on TFPA activities.

Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025 This bill specifies that the Indian Health Service (IHS) must reimburse patients for their out-of-pocket costs for authorized purchased/referred care services within 30 days. (The IHS provides medical and dental services directly to American Indian and Alaska Native patients whenever possible. However, when services are not available, IHS beneficiaries may be referred to private providers. This is called purchased/referred care.) Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement procedures to allow a patient who paid out of pocket for purchased/referred care services authorized by the IHS to be reimbursed by the IHS for that payment no later than 30 days after the patient submits required documentation.  Additionally, the bill requires HHS to update applicable provisions of and exhibits to the Indian Health Manual, contracts with providers, and other relevant documents and administrative authorities to incorporate the provisions of the bill. The bill also replaces statutory references to contract health service with purchased/referred care .

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025 This bill directs the Department of the Interior to transfer funds to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) in Baraga County, Michigan, in order to settle the KBIC's land claims and clear title to those lands. The KBIC may use these funds for any lawful purpose except to acquire land for gaming.

Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2025

Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 This bill takes three tracts of specified federal land (approximately 9.89 acres) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. (These three tracts of land were historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School, which was an Indian boarding school until 1981.) The land is currently administered by the General Services Administration (GSA). Within 90 days of this bill's enactment and the relocation of all federal tenants, the bill requires (1) the GSA to transfer administrative jurisdiction over the land to the Department of the Interior, and (2) Interior to take the land into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos. The land taken into trust must be subject to a right-of-way easement, as determined by the GSA, on the federal land located within Tract 1 for purposes of retrieving or relocating federal property from the land to another location. (Tract 1, which is approximately 3.57 acres, contains a warehouse that is 76,682 square feet.) The bill requires the land taken into trust to be used for the educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development of the 19 Pueblos. Further, the land must remain subject to existing private and municipal encumbrances, rights-of-way, restrictions, easements of record, and utility service agreements. The bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.

Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2025

Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act This bill administratively transfers approximately 72 acres of specified lands in Washington from the U.S. Forest Service to the Department of the Interior. Interior must take this land into trust for the benefit of the Quinault Indian Nation. Land taken into trust shall be part of the tribe's reservation. The bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust. The bill requires Interior, for purposes of taking the land into trust, to meet the disclosure requirements for hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants, without otherwise being required to remediate or abate those hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

Crow Revenue Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2025

Crow Revenue Act This bill addresses the exchange of mineral interests in Montana involving the federal government, the Crow Tribe of Montana, and a private party. Specifically, the bill requires  the Department of the Interior to accept the relinquishment of a specified federal coal lease associated with the Bull Mountains Mine near Roundup, Montana (the current operator of the mine is Signal Peak Energy);  the Joe and Barbara Hope Mineral Trust (Hope Family Trust) to convey approximately 4,660 acres of subsurface mineral interests located within the boundaries of the Crow Indian Reservation in Big Horn County, Montana, to the tribe; and  Interior to convey approximately 4,530 acres of subsurface mineral interests and 940 acres of surface interests located in Musselshell County, Montana, to the Hope Family Trust.  Prior to these conveyances, the tribe must notify Interior that the tribe and the Hope Family Trust have agreed on a revenue-sharing formula for the development of the mineral and surface interests in Musselshell County, Montana. The mineral interests conveyed by the Hope Family Trust to the tribe shall be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the tribe, upon the tribe's request. These mineral interests shall not be subject to state or local taxation.

Pit River Land Transfer Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2025

Pit River Land Transfer Act of 2025 This bill takes approximately 603.94 acres of specified lands in California into trust for the benefit of the Pit River Tribe. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of the Interior to take the following lands into trust for the benefit of the tribe: (1) approximately 583.79 acres of federal land managed by the Forest Service (but excluding approximately 20.03 acres of roads, highways, and public rights-of-way subject to existing easements), and (2) approximately 40.18 acres of fee land held by the tribe. These combined lands, approximately 603.94 acres, shall be part of the tribe's reservation. Further, the bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.

ARTIST Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2025

Alaska’s Right To Ivory Sales and Tradition Act or the ARTIST Act This bill prohibits states from imposing bans on marine mammal products produced by Alaska Natives. Specifically, states may not prohibit the importation, sale, transfer, trade, barter, or possession of marine mammal ivory, marine mammal bone, or baleen legally produced by an Alaska Native as an authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing.

ARTIST Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2025

Alaska’s Right To Ivory Sales and Tradition Act or the ARTIST Act This bill prohibits states from imposing bans on marine mammal products produced by Alaska Natives. Specifically, states may not prohibit the importation, sale, transfer, trade, barter, or possession of marine mammal ivory, marine mammal bone, or baleen legally produced by an Alaska Native as an authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing.

BADGES for Native Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act or the BADGES for Native Communities Act This bill revises federal policies and procedures related to information sharing, reporting, and investigating cases of missing, unidentified, or murdered Indians. Among other elements, the bill requires the Department of Justice to (1) establish a grant program for specified entities (e.g., tribes) to implement changes to enhance their responses to missing person cases and death investigations of interest to tribes, and (2) work with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that federal training resources and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs are available to tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers. The Department of the Interior must establish a five-year demonstration program for the purpose of conducting or adjudicating personnel background investigations for applicants for law enforcement positions in the BIA. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct specified studies, including a study on the evidence collection, handling, response times, and processing procedures and practices of federal law enforcement agencies.

Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025 This bill elevates the current position of the Director of the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within HHS.

Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2026

Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Zuni and establishes and provides funding for a related settlement trust fund. It also requires federal actions related to the Zuni Salt Lake in New Mexico. Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Zuni, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Zuni River Stream System in New Mexico. The bill establishes and provides funding for the Zuni Tribe Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill. Additionally, the bill (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States. The bill also withdraws certain federal land in New Mexico from mineral development. The bill reserves this federal land for the following three purposes: (1) the protection of the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary, (2) the protection of the quality and quantity of the Zuni Salt Lake's water supply, and (3) the protection of any cultural resources associated with the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary. The Bureau of Land Management must manage this land. The Department of the Interior must take certain land surrounding the Zuni Salt Lake into trust for the benefit of Zuni.

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh. It also establishes and provides funding for a settlement trust fund. Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico. The bill establishes and provides funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. This trust fund may only be used for five specified purposes, including for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure. The bill also (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.

Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Zuni and establishes and provides funding for a related settlement trust fund. It also requires federal actions related to the Zuni Salt Lake in New Mexico. Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Zuni, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Zuni River Stream System in New Mexico. The bill establishes and provides funding for the Zuni Tribe Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill. Additionally, the bill (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States. The bill also withdraws certain federal land in New Mexico from mineral development. The bill reserves this federal land for the following three purposes: (1) the protection of the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary, (2) the protection of the quality and quantity of the Zuni Salt Lake's water supply, and (3) the protection of any cultural resources associated with the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary. The Bureau of Land Management must manage this land. The Department of the Interior must take certain land surrounding the Zuni Salt Lake into trust for the benefit of Zuni.

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh. It also establishes and provides funding for a settlement trust fund. Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico. The bill establishes and provides funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. This trust fund may only be used for five specified purposes, including for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure. The bill also (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.

Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2025

Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act This bill takes specified lands and easements in Monroe County, Tennessee, into trust for the use and benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These lands include the Sequoyah Museum, the Chota Memorial, the Tanasi Memorial, and land to provide support for these properties and cultural programs. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) maintains its right to carry out river control and development on these lands, including temporarily and intermittently flooding certain lands. The bill specifies the structures that may be constructed with the TVA's written consent on certain lands subject to flooding. Additionally, the TVA must be compensated for lost hydropower capacity from future development of these lands. Further, the bill specifies that the United States is not liable for loss or damage resulting from certain activities, such as the permanent flooding of adjacent lands. In addition, the bill outlines the TVA's continuing responsibilities, including those related to environmental remediation. Finally, the bill prohibits gaming on these lands.

Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2025

Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 This bill takes three tracts of specified federal land (approximately 9.89 acres) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. (These three tracts of land were historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School, which was an Indian boarding school until 1981.) The land is currently administered by the General Services Administration (GSA). Within 90 days of this bill's enactment, the GSA must (1) relocate all federal tenants on the land, and (2) transfer administrative jurisdiction over the land to the Department of the Interior. Within 90 days after the relocation of federal tenants and transfer of administrative jurisdiction, the bill requires (1) Interior to take the land into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos, and (2) the federal government to convey its ownership interests in buildings and other structures located within Tract 1 to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to own in fee. (Tract 1, which is approximately 3.57 acres, contains a warehouse that is 76,682 square feet.) The bill requires the land taken into trust to be used for the educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development of the 19 Pueblos. Further, the land must remain subject to existing private and municipal encumbrances, rights-of-way, restrictions, easements of record, and utility service agreements. The bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2025

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025 This bill expands access to water resources for Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian communities. Under a current program, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes loans and grants to provide water and waste disposal facilities and services to low-income rural areas whose residents are facing significant health risks. This bill expands eligibility for the program to include Native Hawaiian organizations. Additionally, these loans and grants may be used to provide water or waste services to residents on tribal lands. The bill authorizes USDA to make additional loans and grants under existing programs to tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to develop, use, and control water. The bill also allows USDA to support technical assistance for tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. Additionally, the bill allows the Indian Health Service to (1) provide and maintain essential sanitation facilities for noncommercial community structures (e.g., schools, hospitals, and tribal offices), (2) provide technical assistance, and (3) provide financial assistance to operate and maintain drinking water and sanitation facilities serving tribes that are owned and operated by a tribe. The bill also increases the authorization of appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation's Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program through FY2030.

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2025

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act This bill authorizes a land exchange between the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (also federally recognized as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians) and the federal government. The tribe is located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near the cities of Highland and San Bernardino in California. Specifically, if the tribe offers to convey to the federal government all right, title, and interest of the tribe in and to approximately 1,460 acres of land, then the Forest Service must accept the offer and convey all right, title, and interest of the federal government in and to approximately 1,475 acres of National Forest System land. The Forest Service must accept the offer and convey the land as soon as practicable within 120 days of receiving the offer. As a condition of the land exchange, within 120 days of the bill's enactment, the tribe must enter into an agreement with the Forest Service under which the tribe agrees to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of the Arrowhead landmark site. The site is located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains directly above San Bernardino, California. Land acquired by the Forest Service shall become part of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 September 2025

Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act This bill extends federal recognition to the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia. Specifically, the bill makes the tribe and its members eligible for services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The delivery area for services and benefits shall be determined in coordination and consultation with the Department of the Interior. Next, the bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body. Upon request of the tribe, Interior must take into trust any land held in fee by the tribe that was acquired on or before January 1, 2007, if such lands are located within the boundaries of Southampton County, Virginia. Land taken into trust shall be considered part of the tribe's reservation. Further, the bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.

To make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions which were formerly classified to chapters 14 and 19 of title 25, United States Code, and to correct related technical errors.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2025

This bill updates references in the U.S. Code to certain provisions in Title 25 (Indians). In 2016, Congress transferred certain provisions in Chapter 14 (Miscellaneous) and Chapter 19 (Indian Land Claims Settlements) of Title 25 to new chapters at the end of the title as part of an effort to reclassify the code. To reflect the reclassification of the code, this bill updates references to Title 25.

PROTECT Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2025

Protection for Reservation Occupants against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today Act of 2025 or the PROTECT Act of 2025 This bill expands special tribal criminal jurisdiction (STCJ) to include certain controlled substance-related offenses and firearms offenses. It also allows tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic material. STCJ allows participating tribes to investigate, prosecute, convict, and sentence both Indian and non-Indian offenders who commit covered crimes in Indian country against Indian victims. Covered crimes currently include assault of tribal justice personnel, child violence, dating violence, domestic violence, obstruction of justice, sexual violence, sex trafficking, stalking, and a violation of a protection order. The bill expands STCJ to allow participating tribes to prosecute individuals for controlled substance-related offenses (i.e., drug trafficking, unlawful drug possession, or unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia) and firearms offenses (i.e., use or possession of a firearm in furtherance of a covered crime or by a person who has been convicted of domestic violence). Additionally, the bill allows participating tribes to exercise STCJ over a controlled substance-related offense or a firearms offense if neither the defendant nor the alleged victim is an Indian. (Currently, this exception only applies in cases of obstruction of justice or assault of tribal justice personnel.) The bill allows offenders convicted pursuant to STCJ to be incarcerated through the Bureau of Prisons Tribal Prisoner Program. The bill gives tribal courts the same authority as state courts to compel service providers to disclose stored electronic communication information through court-issued warrants, court orders, or administrative subpoenas.

Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2025

Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act This bill states that nothing in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA) prohibits possessing, selling, bartering, purchasing, shipping, or transporting any authentic Alaska Native handicraft, clothing, or art on the basis that it contains a nonedible migratory bird part, so long as the bird was not taken in a wasteful or illegal manner. (The MBTA implements four international treaties that the United States entered into with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. The MBTA prohibits the taking of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization.) The bill directs the Department of State to work with the Department of the Interior to enter into appropriate bilateral procedures with countries that are parties to the treaties under the MBTA to clarify the treatment of Alaska Native handicraft containing nonedible migratory bird parts from the species of migratory birds listed in those treaties. Further, Interior must modify any regulations implementing the MBTA to implement this bill.

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2025

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025 This bill expands access to water resources for Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian communities. Under a current program, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes loans and grants to provide water and waste disposal facilities and services to low-income rural areas whose residents are facing significant health risks. This bill expands eligibility for the program to include Native Hawaiian organizations. Additionally, these loans and grants may be used to provide water or waste services to residents on tribal lands. The bill authorizes USDA to make additional loans and grants under existing programs to tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to develop, use, and control water. The bill also allows USDA to support technical assistance for tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. Additionally, the bill allows the Indian Health Service to (1) provide and maintain essential sanitation facilities for noncommercial community structures (e.g., schools, hospitals, and tribal offices), (2) provide technical assistance, and (3) provide financial assistance to operate and maintain drinking water and sanitation facilities serving tribes that are owned and operated by a tribe. The bill also increases the authorization of appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation's Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program through FY2030.

Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2025

Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 This bill revises the water rights settlement agreement entered into by the Crow Tribe of Montana and Montana. The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 ratified, authorized, and confirmed the water rights compact between the tribe and Montana. Among other provisions, this settlement act authorized the Bureau of Reclamation to plan, design and construct the following two major projects on the Crow Reservation: (1) the rehabilitation and improvement of the Crow Irrigation Project (CIP); and (2) the planning, design, and construction of the MR&I System (the municipal, rural, and industrial water system of the Crow Reservation). Among other provisions, the bill revises the settlement act to replace references to the MR&I System with MR&I Projects ;  establish a nontrust, interest-bearing account (to be known as the Crow CIP Implementation Account) to allow Reclamation to continue to work on the rehabilitation of the CIP;  create a new MR&I Projects Account, through which the tribe must use funds for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure; and extend by five years (to 2030) the period during which the tribe has the exclusive right to construct hydropower facilities on the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam in Montana.

Parity for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Students in Agriculture Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2025

Native American Seeds Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2025

Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025 This bill extends for an additional five years the time period during which an eligible Alaska Native veteran may apply for a land allotment under the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Program. The program makes Alaska Native veterans who served in the Armed Forces in Vietnam between August 5, 1964, and December 31, 1971, or their heirs eligible to receive up to 160 acres of federal land in Alaska. Under the current program, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management may accept applications through December 29, 2025. This bill extends this time period for an additional five years to December 29, 2030.

To authorize the Bay Mills Indian Community of the State of Michigan to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe.

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

This bill allows the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan to transfer, lease, encumber, or otherwise convey its real property that is not held in trust by the United States. The United States shall not be held liable for any loss resulting from a transfer of real property by the tribe.

Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2025

Tribal Gaming Regulatory Compliance Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2025

Tribal Gaming Regulatory Compliance Act This bill allows the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes to conduct gaming activities on their land in Texas if certain conditions are met. Currently, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act prohibits the tribes from conducting gaming activities on their land if those activities are prohibited by Texas law. The bill repeals those provisions and instead applies the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) to gaming activities on Indian lands of the tribes.

Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2025

Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act This bill extends federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe. Specifically, the bill makes the tribe and its members eligible for services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The service area of the tribe is considered to be Stafford, Spotsylvania, and King George Counties, Virginia. Next, the bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body. Interior, upon the request of the tribe, may take certain land into trust for the benefit of the tribe. Further, the bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.