Bills · S 3617
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3617Water storageFederal-Indian relations
Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026
INTRO JAN 13· LAST ACTION JUL 29
READING
85MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to resolve decades-long disputes over water rights for the Yavapai-Apache Nation in Arizona. Securing clear water rights is vital for tribal communities, ensuring they have the resources needed for drinking water, sanitation, agriculture, economic development, and preserving their cultural heritage, especially in a drought-prone state like Arizona.
If this bill becomes law, it would bring legal certainty to water allocation in the region, avoiding potentially costly and lengthy court battles for all parties involved. It would also lead to investment in new water infrastructure for the Nation, improving their quality of life. Without this bill, the water rights claims would remain unresolved, creating ongoing uncertainty and potential conflict over precious water resources.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Formally approves the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement.
This legally validates the detailed agreement outlining the Nation's specific water rights and the terms of the settlement.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes the construction of the "Tu nl[[nichoh Water Infrastructure Project" and establishes a fund for it.
This ensures the physical means and funding are in place to deliver the water promised by the settlement to the Nation.
PROVISION 03
Creates the "Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Settlement Trust Fund."
This provides a dedicated financial resource for the Nation to manage and utilize for water-related purposes as part of the settlement.
PROVISION 04
Resolves all water rights claims for the Yavapai-Apache Nation in the Verde River Watershed and Colorado River.
This provides a final and comprehensive resolution to long-standing disputes, bringing certainty to the Nation's water future.
PROVISION 05
Defines and allocates Yavapai-Apache Nation water from the Central Arizona Project (CAP).
This specifies how the Nation will receive a critical portion of its water supply from a major regional water delivery system.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Arizona
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
55
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTSJUL 29
Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
JAN 13
Introduced in Senate
JAN 13
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
JAN 13
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3617
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 13, 2026
Last actionJul 29, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2026
Senate BillS 3617Water storageFederal-Indian relations
Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026
INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2026· LAST ACTION JUL 29, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
85 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
