To authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for federally recognized Indian Tribes.
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The bill would let any federally recognized Indian Tribe lease land held in trust for the tribe for up to 99 years, extending a longer lease term previously available only to certain specified tribes and reservations.
What this bill would do
What it would do
The bill would amend a 1955 federal law governing leases of Indian trust land to add all federally recognized Indian Tribes to the list of tribes eligible to enter leases running up to 99 years. Currently that longer lease term applies only to land held in trust for specifically named tribes and reservations listed in the statute, such as the Chehalis Reservation. By inserting a reference to the list of federally recognized tribes maintained under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, the bill would extend the same 99-year maximum lease term to trust land of any tribe on that list, rather than requiring tribe-by-tribe amendments to the leasing statute.
Key provisions
- 1Would amend the Act of August 9, 1955, so that land held in trust for any federally recognized Indian Tribe on the Interior Department's official list qualifies for leases up to 99 years.
Who would be affected
Federally recognized Indian Tribes that hold land in trust, tribal governments negotiating leases for economic development, housing, agriculture, or other purposes, and businesses or individuals seeking longer-term leases on tribal trust land.
Why it matters
Longer lease terms can make tribal trust land more attractive for long-term investment, such as commercial development, renewable energy projects, or housing, because lenders and developers often require lease terms that match financing periods. Extending the 99-year option broadly could make it easier for tribes without a specific statutory carve-out to attract such investment.
What would change
Changes to existing law
Amends Act of August 9, 1955 (25 U.S.C. 415(a)) (Sec. 1)
Adds land held in trust for any tribe on the federally recognized tribe list to those eligible for leases up to 99 years.
Funding and costs
Congressional Budget Office estimate
CBO estimates H.R. 5910 would have no effect on direct spending, revenues, or the deficit over the 2026–2036 period, with any implementation costs being insignificant.
CBO estimates that H.R. 5910 would produce zero change in direct spending (mandatory outlays), revenues, or the federal deficit over the 2026–2031 and 2026–2036 scoring windows. The bill would allow federally recognized Indian Tribes to lease trust land for up to 99 years (extended from the current 25-year limit with one renewal) with approval from the Department of the Interior; any lease proceeds would flow to the tribes, not the federal government. CBO estimates that administrative costs to implement the bill would be insignificant, and any such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. CBO identified no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates in the bill.
Legislative status & sources
Latest action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Official CRS summary
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This bill authorizes any federally recognized Indian tribe to lease their land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years.
Legislative subjects
Indian lands and resources rights; Land transfers; Native Americans
Committee report
H. Rept. 119-453