Johnson’s Tribal Homeownership Bill Passes Committee

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) passed the House Natural Resources Committee by unanimous consent. Johnson's bill advocates for homeownership and streamlines the approval process for mortgages on tribal trust land.

"Homeownership is the bedrock of the American Dream but has become out of reach for many individuals and families. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is only creating more obstacles to reach that goal," said Johnson. "My bill cuts through layers of bureaucracy and delays to make homeownership more accessible on tribal trust land. I'm grateful the House Natural Resources Committee passed this legislation and I'm hopeful it passes the House soon."

"The Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025streamlines the approval process for business and residential mortgages on tribal trust land by establishing clear timelines for Bureau of Indian Affairs review and action," said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR). "I commend Representative Johnson for advancing reforms that improve access to capital for tribal communities."

Currently, in order to be finalized, mortgages involving property on tribal trust land must be reviewed and approved by the BIA. The BIA Mortgage Handbook establishes timelines for BIA offices to process and approve these mortgages. However, these timelines are not always adhered to.

The Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act would:

• Seek to cut through BIA red tape and provide timely processing of mortgages.
• Create statutory timelines in which the BIA would be required to process and approve mortgages involving property located on tribal trust land.
• Require the BIA to notify lenders upon receipt of such documentation and perform a preliminary review of such documents no later than 10 days after receipt and approve or disapprove of such documents within 20 or 30 days, depending on the type of application.
• Require the BIA to notify the lender once the proposed residential leasehold mortgage, business leasehold mortgage, or right-of-way document has been received.
• Enhance the ability of certain federal agencies to operate their tribal housing programs and improve communication between the BIA and tribes, tribal members, and lenders through the establishment of a realty ombudsman within the BIA who can communicate with relevant parties.

The Senate has passedthe Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, led by U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.).

Click herefor bill text.