Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

# Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would settle long-standing water rights disputes involving Native American tribes in northeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The legislation addresses claims over water from rivers and water storage facilities in the region, establishing legal agreements about how much water tribes are entitled to use. The bill also creates funding mechanisms and establishes advisory bodies to manage the settlement's implementation and handle any ongoing disputes between tribes and other water users. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects Native American tribes in the northeastern Arizona region, who have historically had unresolved claims to water resources.

It also impacts other Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah water users—including municipalities, agricultural operations, and dam operators—since settling tribal water rights will clarify how water is distributed across the region. The federal government would be involved in overseeing the settlement and managing trust funds related to the agreement. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Water rights settlements of this kind typically involve extensive negotiations among multiple stakeholders before moving forward.