Bills · HR 726
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 726Dams and canalsMontana
Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 24· LAST ACTION AUG 27
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to provide clarity and better structure for how water resources and infrastructure are managed for the Crow Tribe. By clearly defining 'MR&I Projects' and establishing dedicated accounts, the bill could help ensure that federal funds are used efficiently for essential water and wastewater services on the reservation, directly impacting public health and quality of life for tribal members.
If this bill becomes law, it will clarify who owns and maintains the new water infrastructure (the Crow Tribe), shifting long-term operational costs away from the federal government. It also extends a deadline for an important dam, which could affect regional water management plans. If it doesn't pass, the existing framework for managing the Crow Tribe's water rights settlement would remain, potentially with less clarity on project definitions, fund allocation, and infrastructure ownership, which could lead to ongoing challenges in developing critical water systems.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Changes the term 'MR&I System' to 'MR&I Projects' and updates its definition, specifying the activities covered, such as water production, treatment, and delivery infrastructure.
This clarifies the types of water infrastructure projects eligible for funding and support under the settlement.
PROVISION 02
Establishes a new 'MR&I Projects Account' within the Crow Settlement Fund, dedicated to funding the Tribe's water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
This creates a clear, dedicated funding source for critical water projects, allowing the Tribe to plan and implement necessary infrastructure improvements.
PROVISION 03
States that the Crow Tribe will have title to, control over, and operation of any infrastructure built with funds from the MR&I Projects Account, and the Federal Government will have no obligation for operation, maintenance, or replacement.
This clarifies ownership and responsibility, empowering the Tribe while limiting future federal financial obligations for upkeep.
PROVISION 04
Creates a 'Crow CIP Implementation Account,' a separate, interest-bearing account to support other specific activities outlined in the original 2010 Act.
This establishes another dedicated financial mechanism for specific tribal programs, ensuring funds are managed appropriately.
PROVISION 05
Extends the operational period related to Yellowtail Dam, Montana, from 15 years to 20 years.
This change affects the long-term management and use of a significant regional water resource.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Montana
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
12 EVENTSAUG 27
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-769.
AUG 27
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 670.
JUL 15
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
JUL 15
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 726
Congress119th
StatusReported
IntroducedJan 24, 2025
Last actionAug 27, 2026
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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 24, 2025
House BillHR 726Dams and canalsMontana
Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JAN 24, 2025· LAST ACTION AUG 27, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
