Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025

H.R. 1322 would recognize and settle water rights disputes involving four New Mexico pueblos: Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia. The bill would ratify water rights settlement agreements for two separate river systems—the Rio San José and the Rio Jemez—between these pueblos, the federal government, and the state of New Mexico. If enacted, the bill would legally confirm the water rights of these pueblos in these river systems, resolving long-standing claims.

The bill would also establish trust funds to support the pueblos. For the Acoma and Laguna pueblos, it would create three trust funds: the Pueblo of Acoma Settlement Trust Fund, the Pueblo of Laguna Settlement Trust Fund, and the Acomita Reservoir Works Trust Fund. For the Jemez and Zia pueblos, it would establish the Pueblo of Jemez Settlement Trust Fund and the Pueblo of Zia Settlement Trust Fund. These funds would be provided with federal funding to help the pueblos manage and develop their water resources.

Currently, the bill has been introduced in the House and referred to committee for consideration. It has not yet been voted on by the full chamber. If passed, the bill would provide certainty to these Native American communities regarding their water access and provide financial resources through the trust funds to support water management and development projects.