Analyst Brief September 14, 2026

S. 240 — Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025, as amended

Current Status

Introduced; Referred to Committee on Indian Affairs

Executive Summary

S. 240 amends the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 to transition the 'MR&I System' to 'MR&I Projects,' granting the Crow Tribe greater autonomy over their water infrastructure funds. It establishes a new MR&I Projects Account, mandates that funds be managed in a joint signature account pursuant to a 2012 agreement, and explicitly removes the Federal Government's obligation to pay for ongoing operation and maintenance. This legislation reflects a shift toward tribal self-determination and streamlined fund management while capping long-term federal liabilities.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT)

Bill Number

S. 240

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT)
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Empowers tribal self-determination by giving the Crow Tribe direct control over water infrastructure funds via a joint signature account, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks at the Department of the Interior.
  • Protects federal taxpayers by explicitly stating the U.S. government is not on the hook for long-term operation, maintenance, or replacement costs of the infrastructure.

Likely Supporters

Crow Tribe of MontanaNative American Rights Fund (NARF)Montana Congressional Delegation

Arguments Against

  • Shifting from federal administration to tribal management carries potential oversight risks if the joint signature account lacks stringent auditing mechanisms.
  • Allowing leftover funds to buy land with water rights might face localized pushback from non-tribal agricultural interests concerned about tribal land expansion and water allocation.

Likely Opponents

Local non-tribal agricultural or water user groups (potentially, if land buybacks are contested)

📋 Key Provisions

  • Redefines the 'MR&I System' as 'MR&I Projects' and repeals Section 406 of the 2010 Settlement Act.
  • Establishes the 'MR&I Projects Account' and directs funds into a special joint signature account based on a 2012 agreement with the Tribe.
  • Authorizes funds for planning, constructing, and repairing water infrastructure, and allows leftover funds to be used for purchasing on-Reservation land with water rights.
  • Vests title to the infrastructure with the Tribe and explicitly absolves the Federal Government of operation, maintenance, and replacement costs.
  • Extends a deadline related to the Yellowtail Dam from 15 to 20 years.
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Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 10

Establishes the MR&I Projects Account.

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"The MR&I Projects Account, to be es-"

Claim Analysis Page 5, Line 21

Allows leftover funds to purchase on-Reservation land with water rights.

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"MR&I Projects Account to purchase on-"

Claim Analysis Page 6, Line 4

Absolves the federal government of operation and maintenance costs.

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"MENT.—The Federal Government shall have no obligation"

Claim Analysis Page 6, Line 11

Extends the Yellowtail Dam timeframe to 20 years.

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"‘‘20 years’’."