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US SB564
Bill
AI Summary
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Settles the Zuni Indian Tribe's water rights claims in the Zuni River Stream System in New Mexico by ratifying a May 2023 agreement between the Tribe, State, and federal government, with the Tribal Water Rights held in trust and protected from forfeiture or abandonment
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Establishes the Zuni Tribe Settlement Trust Fund with $685 million in mandatory federal appropriations ($655.5 million for water infrastructure and development, $29.5 million for operation/maintenance), plus $1.25 million from New Mexico for monitoring and groundwater protection
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Withdraws approximately 92,364 acres of federal land within the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary from mineral entry, leasing, and disposal to protect the culturally significant area and its water resources
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Transfers federal land designated as "Tribal Acquisition Area" into trust for the Tribe on the Enforceability Date, with provisions for the Tribe to acquire additional "Potential Future Acquisition Areas"
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Requires the Tribe to execute waivers releasing all past water rights claims against the United States and other parties in exchange for the settlement benefits, with the settlement expiring if conditions are not met by July 1, 2030
Legislative Description
Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
Native Americans
Last Action
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
3/5/2025