4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Mar 3, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 reflect the bill's procedural progression from the House to the Senate, including updated legislative status and clerk information. There are no substantive policy changes in the bill text.

H.R. 5910119th CongressIntroduced Nov 4, 2025

To authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for federally recognized Indian Tribes.

Passed HouseNative AmericansMajor

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large]
Committees: Indian Affairs Committee (primary)
Last action: Mar 4, 2026

Bottom line

This bill grants all federally recognized Indian Tribes the authority to enter into long-term leases of up to 99 years for their trust lands, aligning their leasing powers with those previously extended to a limited number of tribes to foster economic development.

What it actually does

This bill expands the authority for federally recognized Indian Tribes to lease their trust lands for terms of up to 99 years. It amends existing federal law (25 U.S.C. 415(a)) to explicitly include all tribes on the Secretary's list of federally recognized Indian Tribes, granting them the same long-term leasing flexibility previously afforded to a limited number of specific tribes and reservations. This change aims to facilitate greater economic development and self-determination on tribal lands by allowing for more attractive long-term investments.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that this bill provides essential economic development tools to all federally recognized tribes by allowing them to secure longer-term investments and partnerships on their trust lands. They contend that extending 99-year leasing authority, which has proven successful for some tribes, will foster greater self-determination, create jobs, and generate revenue for tribal governments and members, reducing reliance on federal funding and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Opponents contend

Opponents, if any, might express concerns about the potential for long-term leases to complicate future land management or potentially lead to exploitation if not carefully managed by tribal governments. However, given the nature of the bill, direct organized opposition is unlikely to be widespread, as it expands tribal authority and is generally viewed as a measure of empowerment.

The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, requiring minimal time to read and understand its core provision. The time given for analysis is significantly more than needed to comprehend the text itself.

Section 1, amending 25 U.S.C. 415(a)

Expansion of 99-Year Leasing Authority for Federally Recognized Tribes

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision amends the Act of August 9, 1955, which governs the leasing of Indian lands. Specifically, it adds "land held in trust for any other Indian Tribe included on the list published by the Secretary pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994" to the list of lands for which leases can be made for up to 99 years. This means that all federally recognized tribes will now have the authority to lease their trust lands for terms up to 99 years, rather than being limited to the previous 25-year term (with some exceptions for specific tribes). This change aims to make tribal lands more attractive for long-term investment and development projects.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupFederally Recognized Indian TribesImpactIncreased economic development opportunities and greater self-determination in land management.MechanismAllows tribes to offer more attractive long-term leases (up to 99 years) to potential investors and developers, facilitating larger and more stable projects.ScaleBroad impact across all federally recognized tribes with trust lands.

GroupBusinesses and DevelopersImpactEnhanced opportunities for long-term investment and development projects on tribal lands.MechanismLonger lease terms reduce investment risk and increase potential returns, making tribal lands more attractive for commercial, residential, industrial, and renewable energy projects.ScaleSignificant for those seeking stable, long-term land access and investment opportunities.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this provision is a crucial step towards tribal self-sufficiency, enabling tribes to attract significant capital investment for housing, commercial enterprises, and infrastructure projects that require long-term commitments. They highlight that the previous 25-year limit was often a significant barrier to securing financing and developing sustainable economies on tribal lands, and this change rectifies that disparity.

Critics contend

No specific organized opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it is generally viewed as an expansion of tribal sovereignty and economic empowerment. Any potential concerns would likely revolve around ensuring robust tribal governance and oversight mechanisms are in place to manage these extended leases effectively and protect tribal interests for future generations.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension navigated by this provision is balancing the desire for long-term economic development and investment with the need to protect tribal land interests and ensure future generations retain control. While longer leases attract capital, they also commit land for a significant period. The bill addresses this by extending leasing authority while maintaining the land's trust status, ensuring federal oversight and tribal ownership.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.