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To amend the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 to make improvements to that Act, and for other purposes.

1/25/2025, 9:20 AM

Summary of Bill HR 726

Bill 119 hr 726, also known as the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act Amendment, aims to make improvements to the original Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010. The bill seeks to address various issues and concerns that have arisen since the original act was passed.

One of the key provisions of the bill is to clarify and strengthen the water rights of the Crow Tribe. This includes ensuring that the tribe has access to a reliable and sustainable water supply for its members and for economic development on tribal lands. The bill also aims to improve the management and conservation of water resources within the Crow Reservation.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to enhance the infrastructure and water delivery systems on the reservation. This includes funding for the construction and maintenance of water storage facilities, pipelines, and other necessary infrastructure to ensure that the tribe has access to clean and safe drinking water. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 hr 726 is to support the Crow Tribe in managing and protecting its water resources, while also promoting economic development and self-sufficiency within the tribe. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a positive step towards addressing the water rights and infrastructure needs of the Crow Tribe.

Congressional Summary of HR 726

Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025

This bill revises the water rights settlement agreement entered into by the Crow Tribe of Montana and Montana.

The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 ratified, authorized, and confirmed the water rights compact between the tribe and Montana. Among other provisions, this settlement act authorized the Bureau of Reclamation to plan, design and construct the following two major projects on the Crow Reservation: (1) the rehabilitation and improvement of the Crow Irrigation Project (CIP); and (2) the planning, design, and construction of the MR&I System (the municipal, rural, and industrial water system of the Crow Reservation).

Among other provisions, the bill revises the settlement act to

  • replace references to the MR&I System with MR&I Projects; 
  • establish a nontrust, interest-bearing account (to be known as the Crow CIP Implementation Account) to allow Reclamation to continue to work on the rehabilitation of the CIP; 
  • create a new MR&I Projects Account, through which the tribe must use funds for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure; and
  • extend by five years (to 2030) the period during which the tribe has the exclusive right to construct hydropower facilities on the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam in Montana.

Current Status of Bill HR 726

Bill HR 726 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 24, 2025. Bill HR 726 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 24, 2025.  Bill HR 726's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. as of January 24, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 726

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 HR 726

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 726

To amend the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 to make improvements to that Act, and for other purposes.
To amend the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 to make improvements to that Act, and for other purposes.

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 726

Troy Downing
Troy Downing
MontanaIndependent
Ryan K. Zinke
Ryan K. Zinke
MontanaRepublican

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