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Tule River Tribe Reserved Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
5/27/2025, 2:11 PM
Summary of Bill S 689
The Tule River Tribe, located in California, has long-standing water rights claims that have been a source of contention and legal disputes. This bill seeks to resolve these claims through a negotiated settlement that will provide the tribe with a secure and reliable water supply.
In addition to approving the settlement, the bill also includes provisions for the implementation and enforcement of the settlement agreement. It establishes a process for the tribe to access and use water resources in a manner that is consistent with the settlement terms. Overall, the Tule River Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act is aimed at providing a fair and equitable resolution to the water rights claims of the Tule River Tribe, while also ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in the region.
Congressional Summary of S 689
Tule River Tribe Reserved Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles the water rights of the Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River Reservation in California. 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 the tribe, the South Tule Independent Ditch Company, and the Tule River Association, thus satisfying claims to water rights in California.
Additionally, the bill outlines the tribe's water rights, including the right to divert and use 5,828 acre-feet of water per year from the South Fork Tule River.
Next, the bill establishes and provides funding for the Tule River Indian Tribe Settlement Trust Fund. Amounts deposited in this trust fund shall be made available to the tribe for water development projects.
The bill also transfers specified lands, including a portion of federal lands in the Sequoia National Forest, into trust for the benefit of the tribe.
The bill outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the tribe and the United States under the settlement agreement.
