A substantive revision, v2 refines the land exchange by separating mineral and surface interests within the Bull Mountains Tracts. It modifies the conveyance to the Hope Family Trust to exclude surface land and introduces a new Section 4 establishing a separate surface land exchange with Musselshell Resources LLC to unlock public access. The overall purpose of taking mineral interests into trust for the Crow Tribe remains, but the mechanisms for other land conveyances are significantly restructured.
Crow Revenue Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Downing, Troy [R-MT-2]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 12, 2026
Bottom line
This bill enacts a complex land and mineral exchange to consolidate mineral interests for the Crow Tribe, establish them in trust, and improve public access to certain surface lands in Montana.
What it actually does
This bill facilitates a complex, multi-party land and mineral interest exchange. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept the relinquishment of a specific federal mineral lease and then convey those mineral interests to the Hope Family Trust. Concurrently, the Hope Family Trust conveys mineral interests within the Crow Reservation to the Crow Tribe of Montana, which will be held in trust by the U.S. government and be exempt from state taxation. Additionally, the bill mandates an exchange of surface interests between Musselshell Resources LLC and the United States to enhance public access to federal lands.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a crucial step towards tribal self-determination and economic development for the Crow Tribe by consolidating their mineral estate and placing it in trust, providing a stable revenue source free from state taxation. They also emphasize that it improves public access to federal lands and streamlines land management for all parties involved, representing a collaborative solution.
Opponents contend
No explicit opposition arguments are detailed in the provided bill text or report. Potential concerns might revolve around the specifics of the land valuation, the relinquishment of federal mineral leases, or the precedent set for similar land exchanges, though these are not articulated in the document.
The bill is relatively short and its provisions are clearly laid out, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core mechanisms within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 1
Short Title: Crow Revenue Act
This section formally designates the short title of the Act as the 'Crow Revenue Act.' This title provides a concise and official name for referring to the legislation, making it easier for the public, policymakers, and legal professionals to identify and discuss the bill.
Supporters argue
Supporters would argue that a clear and concise short title helps in identifying and referencing the legislation, making it easier for the public and policymakers to discuss the bill's purpose and contents.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against a bill's short title, as it primarily serves an administrative function for legislative identification.
Tradeoffs
None apparent, as the short title serves a purely administrative and descriptive purpose without direct policy implications.
Section 2
Definitions of Key Terms and Tracts
This section defines crucial terms used throughout the Act, including specific land parcels like the 'Bull Mountains Lease,' 'Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts,' 'Hope Family Tracts,' and 'Musselshell Resources Tracts,' along with the entities involved such as the 'Hope Family Trust,' 'Lessee,' 'Musselshell Resources LLC,' 'Secretary,' 'State,' and 'Tribe.' These definitions are essential for understanding the precise geographical scope, legal interests, and parties involved in the land and mineral exchanges mandated by the bill.
Section 3
Mineral Interest Exchange and Trust Establishment for Crow Tribe
This section mandates a single, simultaneous transaction within 60 days of the Act's enactment. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to accept the relinquishment of the Bull Mountains Lease (MTM-97988) if offered by the Lessee. Upon relinquishment, the Secretary conveys approximately 4,530 acres of federal mineral interests in the Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts to the Hope Family Trust. Concurrently, the Hope Family Trust conveys approximately 4,660 acres of mineral interests in the Hope Family Tracts (located within the Crow Reservation) to the Crow Tribe. These mineral interests conveyed to the Tribe will then be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe and will be exempt from State and local taxation. A critical prerequisite is that the Tribe and the Hope Family Trust must agree on a formula for sharing revenue from the development of the Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts before these conveyances can occur.
Section 4
Surface Interest Exchange for Public Access
This section mandates a single transaction within 60 days of the Act's enactment where Musselshell Resources LLC conveys approximately 959 acres of surface interests in the 'Musselshell Resources Tracts' to the United States. In return, the Secretary conveys approximately 940 acres of federal surface interests in the 'Bull Mountains Surface Tracts' to Musselshell Resources LLC. This exchange is specifically intended to improve public access to federal lands by consolidating ownership patterns.
Section 5
Protection of Federal Benefits for Crow Tribe
This section ensures that any amounts or other benefits provided to the Crow Tribe or its individual members under this Act will not result in a reduction or denial of any other federal services, benefits, or programs. This protection applies to any entitlements or eligibility they possess due to their status as a federally recognized Indian Tribe or as members of that Tribe, preventing unintended penalties for economic advancement.
Requires the Crow Tribe to notify the Secretary in writing that the Tribe and the Hope Family Trust have agreed on a formula for sharing revenue from the development of the Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts *before* the conveyances under subsection (a) can occur.
Section 3(d)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for complex multi-party agreements, ensuring that all necessary private arrangements are finalized and agreed upon before federal action proceeds. It serves as a condition precedent to protect the interests of all non-federal parties.
Case for: Proponents would argue this ensures a clear understanding and agreement between the private parties regarding future revenue, preventing disputes after the federal government has completed its part of the exchange. It protects the financial interests of both the Tribe and the Hope Family Trust.
Case against: No direct case against, but it could be seen as an additional hurdle or potential source of delay if the parties struggle to reach an agreement, holding up the entire exchange and its intended benefits.
Estimated impact: Ensures the financial viability and stability of the mineral development for both the Crow Tribe and the Hope Family Trust, impacting potentially millions in future revenue depending on mineral extraction.
Pending the conveyances of mineral interests between the Hope Family Trust, the Crow Tribe, and the United States, the tracts involved are temporarily withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under public land laws, as well as from location, entry, and patent under mining laws, and operation of mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws.
Section 3(e)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to prevent new claims or activities on the land during a pending exchange, preserving the status quo and ensuring the integrity of the transaction. It prevents new encumbrances from complicating the transfer.
Case for: Proponents would argue this is a necessary protective measure to prevent any new encumbrances or claims from arising on the land parcels while the complex exchange is being finalized, thereby safeguarding the interests of all parties involved and ensuring a smooth transfer.
Case against: No direct case against, as it's a temporary measure to facilitate the exchange. However, it temporarily restricts potential new economic activity on these specific tracts by preventing new claims or leases.
Estimated impact: Temporarily freezes the legal status and potential development of approximately 9,000 acres of mineral and surface interests (Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts and Hope Family Tracts), ensuring a smooth transfer without new competing claims.