US HB1323

Settles all water rights claims of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico, ratifying a July 2023 agreement between the Pueblo, the State, and other parties

Authorizes $745 million in federal funding to be deposited in a trust fund for water infrastructure, bosque restoration, irrigation improvements, watershed protection, and water rights management

Requires the State of New Mexico to contribute $98.5 million for acequia ditch improvements, $32 million for City of Española water system projects, and $500,000 for groundwater impairment mitigation

Pueblo Water Rights will be held in trust by the United States and cannot be lost through non-use, forfeiture, or abandonment; the Pueblo may lease these rights for up to 99 years but cannot permanently alienate them

Requires Ohkay Owingeh and the United States to waive and release all historical water rights claims in the Rio Chama Stream System in exchange for the settlement benefits; the Act expires if the Secretary fails to publish required findings by July 1, 2038