H.R. 725: Crow Revenue Act

This bill, known as the Crow Revenue Act, aims to transfer certain mineral interests into trust for the benefit of the Crow Tribe of Montana. Here’s what it involves in simpler terms:

Key Provisions

• Trust Status for Mineral Interests: The bill mandates that specific mineral interests, particularly those currently held by the Hope Family Trust, will be transferred to the Crow Tribe and held in trust by the U.S. government for the Tribe's benefit.
• Acceptance of Lease Relinquishment: If the current lessee of a mineral lease (the Bull Mountains Lease) agrees to relinquish it, the Secretary of the Interior must accept this relinquishment, allowing the future development of these mineral interests under tribal management.
• Tax Exemptions: The mineral interests conveyed to the Tribe will not be subject to state taxation, providing the Tribe with a financial advantage related to these resources.
• Revenue Sharing Agreement: The Tribe will inform the Secretary of a formula agreed upon with the Hope Family Trust for sharing any revenue generated from the development of these mineral and surface interests if they choose to be developed in the future.
• Withdrawal from Public Entry: Before the mineral interests are transferred, the land will be withdrawn from being available for other types of public entry and disposal under land laws, ensuring that the area is reserved for tribal use.

Definitions Relevant to the Bill

• Bull Mountains Lease: This refers to a specific mineral lease owned by the Bureau of Land Management that is potentially being relinquished.
• Bull Mountains Tracts: These are mineral interests located in Musselshell County, Montana, which includes both subsurface and surface interests owned by the U.S.
• Hope Family Tracts: These mineral interests located in Big Horn County, Montana, will be conveyed to the Tribe.

Impact on Federal Benefits

Importantly, any benefits that the Tribe receives from this bill will not affect their eligibility for other federal services or programs. The status of being a recognized tribe or a member of the tribe should not hinder any of their rights to federal assistance.

Timeline for Actions

The bill stipulates that certain actions must occur within 60 days of enactment. This includes the relinquishment of the Bull Mountains Lease and the transfer of mineral rights to the Crow Tribe.

Relevant Companies

• None found