A substantive amendment. v2 introduces a new Section 4 establishing a land exchange for surface interests between Musselshell Resources LLC and the United States, which was not present in v1. Concurrently, the conveyance of surface interests to the Hope Family Trust, originally included in v1, is removed from Section 3, and definitions are updated to reflect these changes and clarify the scope of the original mineral interest exchange.
Crow Revenue Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
- Committees
- Indian Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 28, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to resolve complex land ownership issues and enhance economic opportunities for the Crow Tribe through strategic mineral and surface interest exchanges, while also improving public access to federal lands.
What it actually does
This bill facilitates a series of land and mineral interest exchanges involving the United States, the Crow Tribe of Montana, the Hope Family Trust, and Musselshell Resources LLC. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept the relinquishment of a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lease, convey federal mineral interests to the Hope Family Trust, and take certain mineral interests conveyed by the Hope Family Trust into trust for the Crow Tribe. Additionally, it facilitates an exchange of surface interests between Musselshell Resources LLC and the United States to enhance public access.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a crucial step towards tribal self-determination and economic development for the Crow Tribe by consolidating mineral interests and placing them in trust, thereby protecting them from state taxation. They also highlight the benefit of improving public access to federal lands through the surface interest exchange, demonstrating a balanced approach to land management that serves both tribal and public interests.
Opponents contend
No explicit opposition is stated in the provided text. However, potential critics might raise concerns about the specific valuation of the exchanged land and mineral interests, ensuring fair compensation for all parties. Some might also question the long-term environmental impacts of potential mineral development on the newly consolidated tribal lands or the implications of removing land from the state tax base.
The bill is relatively concise and clearly structured, allowing an informed reader to understand its core provisions and implications within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2
Definitions of Land and Mineral Tracts
This section defines the specific land and mineral interests involved in the exchanges. It distinguishes between 'Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts' (subsurface interests owned by the US), 'Bull Mountains Surface Tracts' (surface interests owned by the US), 'Hope Family Tracts' (subsurface interests owned by the Hope Family Trust within the Crow Reservation), and 'Musselshell Resources Tracts' (surface interests owned by Musselshell Resources LLC). These definitions are crucial for understanding the scope of the subsequent conveyances.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that precise definitions are essential for legal clarity and to ensure that the land exchanges are executed without ambiguity, preventing future disputes over boundaries or ownership.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against definitional provisions, as they are foundational to the bill's operability. However, critics might scrutinize the specific acreage or mapping references if they believe the defined tracts are not accurately represented or if the maps are not publicly accessible.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies in ensuring that the defined tracts accurately reflect the intentions of all parties and that the mapping references are up-to-date and publicly verifiable to prevent future legal challenges.
Section 3(a)
Mineral Interest Conveyances and Lease Relinquishment
This section mandates a single, coordinated transaction within 60 days of enactment. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to accept the relinquishment of the Bull Mountains Lease (MTM-97988) if offered by the Lessee. Concurrently, the Hope Family Trust must convey its mineral interests in the Hope Family Tracts to the Crow Tribe. Upon relinquishment of the lease, the United States will convey its mineral interests in the Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts to the Hope Family Trust.
Section 3(b) and 3(c)
Trust Status and State Tax Exemption for Tribal Mineral Interests
Upon the request of the Crow Tribe, the mineral interests conveyed to them from the Hope Family Trust will be held in trust by the United States for the Tribe's benefit. Crucially, these mineral interests, once in trust, will not be subject to taxation by the State of Montana or any of its political subdivisions.
Section 3(d)
Revenue Sharing Agreement Requirement
Before the mineral interest conveyances can occur, the Crow Tribe must notify the Secretary of the Interior in writing that the Tribe and the Hope Family Trust have agreed on a formula for sharing revenue derived from the future development of the mineral interests conveyed to the Hope Family Trust (i.e., the Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts).
Section 4
Surface Interest Exchange for Public Access
Within 60 days of enactment, in a single transaction, Musselshell Resources LLC must convey its surface interests in the Musselshell Resources Tracts (approximately 959 acres) to the United States. In return, the Secretary of the Interior will convey the United States' surface interests in the Bull Mountains Surface Tracts (approximately 940 acres) to Musselshell Resources LLC. This exchange is intended to unlock or improve public access.
Section 5
Eligibility for Other Federal Benefits
This section ensures that any amounts or benefits provided to the Crow Tribe or its members under this Act will not lead to a reduction or denial of any other federal services, benefits, or programs for which they are otherwise eligible due to their status as a federally recognized Indian Tribe or tribal members.
The Secretary of the Interior is directed to accept the relinquishment of the Bull Mountains Lease (MTM-97988) 'notwithstanding any other provision of law, including sections 3480.0-6(d)(8) and 3452.1 through 3452.1-3 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)'.
Section 3(a)(1)
Why it matters:This is a standard legislative technique to ensure that the specific actions mandated by the bill take precedence over existing administrative regulations that might otherwise complicate or prevent the relinquishment of the lease. It's buried to ensure legal certainty for the transaction.
Case for: Proponents argue this 'notwithstanding' clause is essential to streamline the lease relinquishment process, ensuring it can proceed quickly and without bureaucratic hurdles that could delay the entire land exchange. It provides legal clarity and certainty.
Case against: Critics might argue that bypassing standard regulations, even for a specific purpose, could set a precedent or reduce transparency in federal land management decisions. It removes a layer of administrative review that might otherwise apply.
Estimated impact: Facilitates the relinquishment of a specific BLM lease covering approximately 4,530 acres of subsurface interests, enabling the subsequent land exchange.
The amended bill text significantly changes the definitions from the original. The initial 'Bull Mountains Tracts' (combining mineral and surface) is split into 'Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts' and 'Bull Mountains Surface Tracts'. A new entity, 'Musselshell Resources LLC', and its 'Musselshell Resources Tracts' are introduced, along with a new map date (March 19, 2025 vs. January 30, 2024).
Section 2, Definitions of Bull Mountains Mineral Tracts and Bull Mountains Surface Tracts, and Musselshell Resources Tracts
Why it matters:The changes reflect a substantial amendment during the committee process, indicating a more complex, multi-party land exchange was negotiated. While not intentionally 'buried' to hide, the nature of legislative amendments means these changes are presented as part of the revised text rather than highlighted as new additions.
Case for: Proponents argue that these amendments reflect a more comprehensive and beneficial land exchange, addressing both mineral rights for the Crow Tribe and public access through the involvement of Musselshell Resources LLC. The updated map date indicates refined land descriptions.
Case against: Critics might argue that the introduction of an additional private entity and a more complex exchange structure, particularly through an amendment, could introduce new complexities or raise questions about the full scope of the negotiations that led to these changes, without full public transparency on the details.
Estimated impact: Expands the scope of the bill to include a separate surface land exchange with Musselshell Resources LLC, impacting an additional ~959 acres for public access and ~940 acres for the private entity, in addition to the mineral exchanges.