A substantive revision to the proposed amendments. v4 removes the renumbering of several sections and the establishment of a new Crow CIP Implementation Account that were present in v3. It also reverts numerous cross-reference updates and removes a cost indexing mechanism for the MR&I Projects Account, while adding a new procedural requirement for MR&I fund deposits.
Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
- Committees
- Indian Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 15, 2026
Bottom line
The bill updates the 2010 Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act to grant the Crow Tribe greater autonomy and responsibility over water infrastructure funding and projects, while extending a key water agreement.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010, primarily by repealing the concept of an "MR&I System" and replacing it with a focus on "MR&I Projects." It modifies the management of the Crow Settlement Fund, establishing a dedicated MR&I Projects Account for water infrastructure and, secondarily, for purchasing land with water rights. The bill also extends the Yellowtail Dam agreement and clarifies that the Federal Government has no obligation for the operation, maintenance, or replacement of projects constructed with these funds, with title and control remaining with the Tribe.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that these amendments enhance tribal self-determination by giving the Crow Tribe direct control over the planning, construction, and operation of their water infrastructure. They contend that clarifying fund management and removing federal O&M obligations streamlines the settlement's implementation and ensures efficient use of resources for critical water needs, aligning with modern tribal self-governance principles.
Opponents contend
No specific opposition arguments are readily apparent for these technical and clarifying amendments to an existing water rights settlement. The changes largely aim to improve the implementation of the original agreement and enhance tribal control, which are generally supported objectives.
The bill is concise and can be read and understood within the typical time allotted for legislative review.
Section 2(b)
Repeal of MR&I System and Clerical Amendment
This section repeals Section 406 of the original Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010, which established the "MR&I System." It also makes a corresponding clerical amendment to the table of contents. This change moves away from a federally-defined "system" concept towards a more flexible "projects" approach, giving the Tribe greater control over individual infrastructure initiatives.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that repealing the 'MR&I System' allows the Crow Tribe more flexibility and self-determination in addressing their specific water infrastructure needs, rather than being constrained by a potentially outdated or overly rigid federal definition of a 'system.'
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it is seen as a technical update that aligns with the intent of tribal self-governance and efficient project management.
Tradeoffs
The tradeoff involves shifting from a potentially more integrated, federally-defined system to a more project-by-project approach, which offers flexibility but requires robust tribal planning and coordination.
Section 2(c)
Crow Settlement Fund Management and MR&I Projects Account
This section significantly amends how the Crow Settlement Fund is managed. It clarifies that the fund is to be managed, invested, and distributed by the Secretary and remains available until expended. Crucially, it establishes a new "MR&I Projects Account" within the fund, specifically for water production, treatment, delivery, and wastewater infrastructure. It also explicitly states that title, control, and operation of any constructed project remain with the Tribe, and the Federal Government has no obligation for their operation, maintenance, or replacement.
Section 2(d)
Extension of Yellowtail Dam Agreement
This provision amends the original Act to extend the period for the Yellowtail Dam agreement from 15 years to 20 years. This provides a longer duration for the existing agreement related to the operation and management of the Yellowtail Dam in Montana, which is crucial for water resources in the region.
This provision allows the Crow Tribe to use funds remaining in the MR&I Projects Account to purchase on-Reservation land with water rights, but only after providing written notice to the Secretary that on-Reservation MR&I projects (water production, treatment, delivery, or wastewater infrastructure) are complete.
Section 2(c)(3)(iii)(F)(ii) (amending Section 411(e)(3)(F)(ii) of the 2010 Act)
Why it matters:While providing flexibility for tribal resource management, expanding the use of federal settlement funds to include land acquisition, even with water rights, could be seen as a significant policy shift that might attract more scrutiny if prominently featured. Its placement as a secondary use, contingent on infrastructure completion, makes it less immediately visible.
Case for: Proponents would argue that this provision offers crucial flexibility for the Crow Tribe to consolidate water rights and land on the reservation, enhancing their ability to manage resources holistically and support long-term economic development and self-sufficiency. It ensures that any surplus funds from infrastructure projects can be reinvested in ways that directly benefit the Tribe's land and water base.
Case against: Critics might contend that while land acquisition is important, using funds from a water rights settlement account for this purpose, even secondarily, could divert resources from the primary goal of infrastructure development. They might question the oversight mechanisms for such purchases and whether they represent the most cost-effective use of federal settlement funds.
Estimated impact: The impact is potentially significant, depending on the amount of funds remaining after infrastructure completion and the availability and cost of land with water rights. It could lead to a substantial increase in tribally-owned land and associated water rights on the reservation.