This bill settles water rights for the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana and authorizes wastewater infrastructure for the Blackfeet Tribe. It establishes settlement trust funds, allows land exchanges between federal and state governments, and requires the community to enact a tribal water code.
Latest Action
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill settles water rights for the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana and authorizes wastewater infrastructure for the Blackfeet Tribe. It establishes settlement trust funds, allows land exchanges between federal and state governments, and requires the community to enact a tribal water code.
Last updated: 1/6/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>The bill also</p><ul><li>establishes the Aaniiih Nakoda Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill,</li><li>establishes the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement Implementation Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill, and</li><li>provides funding for specified accounts established by the bill.</li></ul><p>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.</p>
Allows federal-state land exchanges for tribal benefit
Requires tribal water code for regulation
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
The Fort Belknap Indian Community would gain legal certainty over water rights. The Blackfeet Tribe would receive wastewater infrastructure support. Both tribes would benefit from improved water resources and related facilities.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Native Americans
Related Subjects
Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Dams and canals
Department of the Interior
Economic development
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal-Indian relations
Government information and archives
Government liability
Government studies and investigations
+9 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
241, 119th Congress (2025). "Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-241
