Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

# Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 — Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill settles a long-standing water rights dispute involving the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico. It officially recognizes and confirms the pueblo's legal right to a specific amount of water from the Rio Chama river system. To support this settlement, the bill creates a trust fund with dedicated money that the pueblo can use for water-related projects—specifically for building, maintaining, or improving water infrastructure like pipes, treatment facilities, and delivery systems. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, a Native American tribe in northern New Mexico, by securing their water rights.

It also involves the state of New Mexico and potentially other water users in the region, as water settlements can affect how water is distributed among different communities and users. **Current Status** The bill (S 563) is currently in committee as of the 119th Congress, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM). The bill is in an early stage of the legislative process and would need to pass committee review, Senate approval, House approval, and presidential signature to become law.