Hageman Bill to Streamline Tribal Land Leases Passed by House of Representatives

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1246, a bill to provide flexibility and certainty in the tribal land leasing process. The bill amends the Long-Term Leasing Act to allow all federally recognized tribes to enter into leases for up to 99 years.  Following today’s bipartisan passage, the legislation will be sent to the Senate for consideration.

Congresswoman Hageman stated, “A significant barrier to economic development on tribal lands is the uncertainty associated with twenty-five-year lease agreements as currently provided for in the Long-Term Leasing Act. By creating optionality for tribes to extend land leasing up to 99 years, we will open greater economic potential and streamline development opportunities. As a result, tribes will have new capabilities to prosper and become more empowered to chart their own course.”

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman, Rep. Bruce Westerman said “H.R. 1246 provide a means by which tribes can continue to grow their economies by authorizing longer leases on trust lands, which will give communities the necessary time for long-term economic projects not currently possible due to lease time restrictions. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, Representative Hageman has been a true champion of tribal issues since joining the committee and Congress, and I am proud to have helped her pass this bipartisan bill through the House.”

Background:

• Congress enacted the Act of August 9, 1955, codified at 25 U.S.C. Sec. 415, commonly known as the Long-Term Leasing Act, to overcome the prohibition of the Non-intercourse Act.
• The Long-Term Leasing Act permitted some land transactions between Indian tribes and nonfederal parties--specifically, the leasing of Indian lands.
• The Act required that leases of Indian lands be approved by the Secretary of the Interior and limited lease terms to 25 years.
• As business opportunities and economic considerations changed, leases longer than 25 years were desired.