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North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2026
4/13/2026, 2:15 AM
Summary of Bill HR 2252
The main goal of this legislation is to address historical injustices and provide Native American tribes with the opportunity to reclaim land and mineral rights that were taken from them in the past. By restoring these resources to the tribes, the bill seeks to promote economic development and self-determination for Native American communities in North Dakota.
In addition to the restoration of land and minerals, the bill also includes provisions for the relinquishment and selection process, as well as guidelines for the management and use of the restored resources. The bill emphasizes the importance of consultation with tribal governments and stakeholders throughout the implementation of the legislation. Overall, Bill 119 hr 2252 represents a significant step towards addressing historical injustices and promoting the rights and sovereignty of Native American tribes in North Dakota. It is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to empower tribal communities and support their economic and cultural well-being.
Congressional Summary of HR 2252
North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2026
This bill allows North Dakota to exchange certain state land grant parcels (e.g., lands granted to North Dakota by Congress when it became a state) located wholly or partially within an Indian reservation for certain federal land of substantially equivalent value. North Dakota manages oil, gas, and agriculture leases on state land grant parcels to generate revenue for education and other public benefits. However, tribal reservations were created on state land grant parcels and reduced the amount of land available for revenue generation.
Specifically, the bill allows the North Dakota Board of University and School Lands to exchange with the Department of the Interior state land grant parcels located wholly or partially within tribal reservations for certain public land in North Dakota administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Upon the request of a tribe, Interior must hold exchanged land within the tribe's reservation in trust on behalf of the tribe.
Further, the bill provides for the continuation of active grazing operations on land exchanged under this bill.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 2252
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2252
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2252
Primary Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural ResourcesAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2252
Comments

Miles House
2 months ago
Not sure what's in it. Only benefits the rich.

Brendan Oh
1 month ago
I don't know much about this new bill, but it sounds like another government overreach to me. Why are they always trying to meddle in our lives? Can someone explain how this will actually benefit us? #confused
