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A bill to take certain mineral interests into trust for the benefit of the Crow Tribe of Montana, and for other purposes.

1/25/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 239

Bill 119 s 239, also known as the "Crow Tribe Mineral Trust Act," is a piece of legislation that aims to take certain mineral interests into trust for the benefit of the Crow Tribe of Montana. The bill seeks to address the historical injustices faced by the Crow Tribe in relation to their mineral rights and aims to provide economic opportunities and resources for the tribe.

The bill outlines the process by which certain mineral interests, specifically coal, oil, gas, and other minerals located on the Crow Reservation in Montana, will be taken into trust by the federal government on behalf of the Crow Tribe. This trust status will allow the tribe to have more control over the development and management of these resources, ensuring that they benefit the tribe and its members.

In addition to taking mineral interests into trust, the bill also includes provisions for the establishment of a Crow Tribe Mineral Trust Fund, which will be used to manage and distribute revenues generated from the development of these mineral resources. The fund will be used for various purposes, including economic development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects for the tribe. Overall, Bill 119 s 239 aims to empower the Crow Tribe by providing them with greater control over their mineral resources and ensuring that they benefit from the development of these resources. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a positive step towards addressing historical injustices and promoting economic development for the Crow Tribe of Montana.

Congressional Summary of S 239

Crow Revenue Act

This bill addresses the exchange of mineral interests in Montana involving the federal government, the Crow Tribe of Montana, and a private party.

Specifically, the bill requires 

  • the Department of the Interior to accept the relinquishment of a specified federal coal lease associated with the Bull Mountains Mine near Roundup, Montana (the current operator of the mine is Signal Peak Energy); 
  • the Joe and Barbara Hope Mineral Trust (Hope Family Trust) to convey approximately 4,660 acres of subsurface mineral interests located within the boundaries of the Crow Indian Reservation in Big Horn County, Montana, to the tribe; and 
  • Interior to convey approximately 4,530 acres of subsurface mineral interests and 940 acres of surface interests located in Musselshell County, Montana, to the Hope Family Trust. 

Prior to these conveyances, the tribe must notify Interior that the tribe and the Hope Family Trust have agreed on a revenue-sharing formula for the development of the mineral and surface interests in Musselshell County, Montana.

The mineral interests conveyed by the Hope Family Trust to the tribe shall be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the tribe, upon the tribe's request. These mineral interests shall not be subject to state or local taxation.

Current Status of Bill S 239

Bill S 239 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 24, 2025. Bill S 239 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 24, 2025.  Bill S 239's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. as of January 24, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 239

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 239

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 239

A bill to take certain mineral interests into trust for the benefit of the Crow Tribe of Montana, and for other purposes.
A bill to take certain mineral interests into trust for the benefit of the Crow Tribe of Montana, and for other purposes.

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of S 239

Steve Daines
Steve Daines
MontanaRepublican
Tim Sheehy
Tim Sheehy
MontanaIndependent

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