S. 563 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Feb 13, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summarySettles New Mexico pueblo water rights dispute
This bill approves a water rights settlement agreement for Ohkay Owingeh pueblo in New Mexico, officially recognizing their claims to water from the Rio Chama Stream System. It establishes a trust fund with money that can be used specifically for building and improving water infrastructure like pipes, treatment facilities, and delivery systems. The bill also outlines what water rights the pueblo has and what claims everyone involved is giving up.
How it affects you
This settlement is most direct for Ohkay Owingeh pueblo and others in New Mexico who rely on Rio Chama water. It resolves a long-standing dispute so communities can plan their water use more clearly. The funding for infrastructure improvements could benefit people in the area who depend on reliable water access.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Feb 13, 2025)
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh. It also establishes and provides funding for a settlement trust fund.
Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico.
The bill establishes and provides funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. This trust fund may only be used for five specified purposes, including for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure.
The bill also (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 563
A BILL
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) · Introduced Feb 13, 2025 · Native Americans · 2 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 4, 2026: “Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 428.”
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 2 official versions.
Sections · 12
- Sec. 1Short title; table of contentsNo change
- Sec. 2PurposesNo change
- Sec. 3DefinitionsNo change
- Sec. 4Ratification of AgreementNo change
- Sec. 5Pueblo Water RightsNo change
- Sec. 6Settlement Trust FundNo change
- Sec. 7FundingNo change
- Sec. 8Enforceability DateNo change
- Sec. 9Waivers and releases of claimsNo change
- Sec. 10Satisfaction of claimsNo change
- Sec. 11Miscellaneous provisionsNo change
- Sec. 12AntideficiencyNo change