S. 241: Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025
A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.
Overview
| Congress | 119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Type | Senate bill (S.) |
| Originating chamber | Senate |
| Introduced | 2025-01-24 |
| Sponsor | Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT] |
| Policy area | Native Americans |
| Cosponsors | 1 |
| Latest action | 2025-03-05 — Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. |
| Last updated | 2025-12-10 |
Summary
Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-01-24):
Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025
This bill modifies and ratifies a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the United States, Montana, and the Fort Belknap Indian Community of the Fort Belknap Reservation of Montana (i.e., the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes). The bill also authorizes wastewater infrastructure on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana.
The bill requires the community's water rights to be held in trust for the benefit of the community and its allottees. The community must enact a tribal water code to regulate its water rights.
Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (as applicable) to enter negotiations with Montana to exchange certain state lands for federal lands to be held in trust for the benefit of the community. The bill prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.
The bill also
- establishes the Aaniiih Nakoda Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill,
- establishes the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement Implementation Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill, and
- provides funding for specified accounts established by the bill.
The bill also authorizes Interior to plan, design, construct, operate, maintain, and replace community water distribution and wastewater treatment facilities for the Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation of Montana.
Cosponsors (1)
| Name | Party / state |
|---|---|
| Tim Sheehy | R MT (original cosponsor) 2025-01-24 |
Full text & official record
The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 241 are published by Congress on congress.gov.
Frequently asked questions
What is S. 241?
S. 241 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025.
Where can I read the full bill text?
The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 241 are available on congress.gov.
Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).