S. 563 Reported by committee Native Americans

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

A bill to approve the settlement of water rights claims of Ohkay Owingeh in the Rio Chama Stream System, to restore the Bosque on Pueblo Land in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] Introduced February 13, 2025 Cosponsors 1 (1 D) Latest action June 4, 2026

Summary

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh. It also establishes and provides funding for a settlement trust fund.
Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico.
The bill establishes and provides funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. This trust fund may only be used for five specified purposes, including for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure.
The bill also (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jun 4, 2026 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 428.
  2. Jun 4, 2026 Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 119-124.
  3. Mar 5, 2025 Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
  4. Feb 13, 2025 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
  5. Feb 13, 2025 Introduced in Senate

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