Bill · H.R. 5515· House(119-HR-5515)
Indian Trust Asset Reform Amendment Act
- Introduced
- 9/19/2025
- Last activity
- 11/19/2025 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Hurd
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Indian Trust Asset Reform Amendment Act modifies how Indian trust assets are managed. It updates the definition of an "Indian tribe" and introduces a definition for "tribal organization." The bill allows tribal organizations to participate in asset management projects on behalf of a tribe. It also clarifies that tribes using these management plans remain eligible for Federal funding. Additionally, it expands the types of trust assets and activities that tribes can manage, including forest management and surface leasing.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
Significantly increases tribal autonomy, management flexibility, and financial security regarding trust assets.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+6
Gives tribes more direct control and flexibility over the management of trust lands and forests.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
Directly impacts rural tribal lands and resource management.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-6
Decreases Federal oversight by requiring the Secretary to defer to tribal management decisions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded Management Options: Tribal organizations can now participate in asset management projects on behalf of an Indian tribe, provided they meet specific submission and authorization requirements. (Section 2(b)(2))
-
Financial Security: Tribes operating under an approved management plan are guaranteed to remain eligible for Federal funding and will not be disqualified from receiving such funds. (Section 2(c)(5))
-
Increased Tribal Authority: Tribes have the discretion to manage any and all trust assets and undertake related activities, such as amending forest management plans or surface leasing transactions, with the Secretary deferring to these decisions if they are consistent with the plan. (Section 2(d)(3))
-
Broadened Asset Scope: The bill expands the definition of "trust assets" to include trust lands, natural resources, trust funds, or any resource previously included in an approved management plan. (Section 2(d)(1)(C))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Requirement for Multi-Tribe Approval: In cases where a contract or grant is made to an organization benefiting more than one Indian tribe, the approval of every single involved tribe is required before the contract or grant can be made. (Section 2(a)(2)(B))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+9Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Farmers+4Good For Low Income Households+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Land Management+6Improves Rural Development+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power-6
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3
- 12/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/19/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 11/12/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/30/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/19/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Val HoyleDemocrat · Oregon
Doug LaMalfaRepublican · California
Emily RandallDemocrat · Washington
Marilyn StricklandDemocrat · Washington