Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025
Latest action (15 Oct 2026): Became Public Law No: 119-122.
What this bill does
This bill, S. 240, aims to make technical and administrative changes to the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010. It would replace references to the "MR&I System" with "MR&I Projects" and create a new account, the "MR&I Projects Account," for the Crow Tribe to use for water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure. Additionally, it establishes an interest-bearing account, the "Crow CIP Implementation Account," for the Bureau of Reclamation to continue work on the Crow Irrigation Project. The bill also extends the tribe's exclusive right to construct hydropower facilities on the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam by five years, until 2030.
The legislation directly affects the Crow Tribe of Montana and the Bureau of Reclamation by revising how certain water-related projects and funds are managed and utilized. Specifically, it renames and redesignates accounts and clarifies how funds within these accounts can be spent on infrastructure and water development. The Federal Government's obligation for operation, maintenance, or replacement of any MR&I Project constructed with these funds is explicitly stated as not existing.
S. 240 has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its next step is to be sent to the President for signature into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
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.
Timeline
15 Oct 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-122.
Common questions
- What does S. 240 do?
- This bill, S. 240, aims to make technical and administrative changes to the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010. It would replace references to the "MR&I System" with "MR&I Projects" and create a new account, the "MR&I Projects Account," for the Crow Tribe to use for water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure. Additionally, it establishes an interest-bearing account, the "Crow CIP Implementation Account," for the Bureau of Reclamation to continue work on the Crow Irrigation Project. The bill also extends the tribe's exclusive right to construct hydropower facilities on the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam by five years, until 2030. The legislation directly affects the Crow Tribe of Montana and the Bureau of Reclamation by revising how certain water-related projects and funds are managed and utilized. Specifically, it renames and redesignates accounts and clarifies how funds within these accounts can be spent on infrastructure and water development. The Federal Government's obligation for operation, maintenance, or replacement of any MR&I Project constructed with these funds is explicitly stated as not existing. S. 240 has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its next step is to be sent to the President for signature into law.
- Has S. 240 become law?
- Yes. S. 240 has been enacted. Status last updated 15 Oct 2026.
- Who sponsored S. 240?
- S. 240 was sponsored by Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT] (R-MT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 240?
- Became Public Law No: 119-122. (15 Oct 2026).
Related bills in Native Americans
Technical Correction to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
Tribal Veterans Voucher Flexibility Act
Tribal Oral Health Sovereignty Act
Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act
More bills from Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
ADAPT Act
A resolution designating the week of August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week".
A resolution honoring 35 years of independence for the countries of Central Asia and recognizing the importance of the United States growing relationship with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.