Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

# Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 **What the Bill Does** This bill would settle long-standing disputes over water rights between the Navajo Nation and New Mexico involving the Rio San José Stream System. If passed, it would legally recognize and confirm a water rights agreement that the Navajo Nation, New Mexico, and other parties have already negotiated. The bill also creates a special trust fund with government money to help implement the settlement and support water projects that serve the Navajo Nation. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects the Navajo Nation and New Mexico residents who depend on water from the Rio San José area.

Key provisions include: officially approving the settlement agreement (which ends legal claims over water rights), establishing a funded trust account to manage the settlement, specifying exactly how much water the Navajo Nation is entitled to use, and expanding the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to serve additional areas. The agreement also involves waivers—meaning the tribe agrees to release certain claims in exchange for receiving recognized water rights. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 565) has been introduced in the Senate and remains in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) sponsors the legislation.