April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning tribal affairs, the BIA, reservation lands, tribal statistical areas, and treaty rights. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Tribal Budget and Narrative Justification Template Renewal for Child Support Programs

The Office of Child Support Enforcement, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, is proposing to renew the Tribal Budget and Narrative Justification Template for tribal child support programs, with minor revisions to the Excel sample budget reflecting regulatory updates. The agency will discontinue the Word and Excel 1115 Waiver templates. Tribes must submit annual expenditure estimate forms to comply with 45 CFR part 309.130(b), using either the provided template or their format. The updated template aims to improve efficiency and consistency in the annual budget submission process. OCSE has updated citations to conform with 2 CFR part 200 requirements and corrected formula errors. The public may submit comments until May 28, 2026, via reginfo.gov or by email, as outlined in the notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

State Tribal Education Partnerships Program Competition Announced

The Department of Education and the Department of the Interior issued a joint notice about the Fiscal Year 2026 State Tribal Education Partnerships program competition (ALN 84.415A). The Bureau of Indian Education is soliciting applications from Indian tribes, Tribal Educational Agencies (TEAs), or consortia of eligible applicants. The STEP program aims to support tribal self-determination in education and improve academic achievement of Indian youth through coordination among tribal, state, and local agencies. The absolute priorities are creating new TEAs and expanding capacity for early TEAs. Proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov by June 11, 2026. Full program details and requirements are available on ED and DOI websites.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Evaluation of the Arctic Rivers Project – Information Collection Renewal

The U.S. Geological Survey proposed the renewal of its information collection concerning the Arctic Rivers Project, which involves participatory evaluation with Alaska Tribal communities and other stakeholders. The process includes semi-structured interviews, surveys, and polls to assess project engagement, communication, and product relevancy. 150 annual respondents are anticipated, with a total annual burden of 75 hours. The collected information will inform future project phases, communication strategies, and product development. The comment period closes on June 29, 2026, and contact information for inquiries is provided in the notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Proposed Collection for Housing Choice Voucher Program and Tribal HUD-VASH

HUD has issued a 30-day notice for public comment on a proposed information collection related to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Tribal HUD-VASH. The HCV program assists low-income families, elderly, and individuals with disabilities to secure affordable housing, while Tribal HUD-VASH targets Native American veterans at risk of homelessness. Public Housing Agencies and Tribally Designated Housing Entities apply for funding and manage eligibility, inspections, and assistance payments. HUD is requesting feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and possible improvements for the information collection. The public comment period ends June 1, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Prairie Island Indian Community Alcohol and Controlled Substance Ordinance Update

The Bureau of Indian Affairs published the Prairie Island Indian Community's amended Alcohol and Controlled Substance Ordinance, effective April 30, 2026. The updated ordinance supersedes provisions from the 1954 version and establishes regulatory measures for alcohol and controlled substances on Reservation lands. The ordinance sets out definitions, enforcement mechanisms, jurisdiction, and civil penalty structures for violations. The Tribal Court gains exclusive jurisdiction to enforce the ordinance, with authorized law enforcement officers designated and fines structured for Level 1 and Level 2 offenses. Penalties for nonpayment of fines are also detailed, along with authority for trespass and chemical dependency assessments. The ordinance applies to all individuals within Reservation boundaries and outlines full record keeping practices.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025

Senate Bill 723, the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025, was presented to the President after passage. This bill addresses issues relating to homeownership on tribal trust lands, offering Congressional action with implications for Native American housing policy.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Amendment to Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act

Senate Bill 4417 was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. The bill proposes technical corrections to the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act, affecting water rights for the tribe. Sponsor remarks were entered on the Congressional Record.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Clear Creek Hatchery Infrastructure Conveyance to Nisqually Indian Tribe

House Bill 7515 directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure to the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The latest action involved subcommittee hearings, with potential effects for tribal fisheries and hatchery operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Wildlife Disease and Zoonotic Disease Coordination Act

Senate Bill 4451 supports coordination and management efforts for wildlife and zoonotic disease surveillance by federal, state, and tribal governments. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Conveyances Bill

Senate Bill 4399 aims to provide for certain conveyances under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. This legislation pertains to land transfers associated with Alaska Native interests.

Sources: www.congress.gov

House Amendment to Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act

House Bill 8546, amending the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act for technical corrections, was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. This measure follows parallel action in the Senate.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Congressional Disapproval of BLM Public Land Order No. 7917

House Bill 140 provides for congressional disapproval of a Bureau of Land Management rule relating to the withdrawal of federal lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota. The measure became Public Law No: 119-85.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Trade Intellectual Property Violations Information Sharing Bill

House Bill 4930 expands information sharing on suspected violations of intellectual property rights in trade. The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance, impacting trade enforcement across tribal and federal jurisdictions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

New Mexico Water Action Plan Progress Dashboard Launch

The state of New Mexico launched a public dashboard to track implementation of its 50-Year Water Action Plan. This tool provides residents access to real-time data on water conservation, new supply development, and quality protection initiatives, including progress affecting tribal and acequia communities.

Sources: www.governor.state.nm.us

What We're Reading This Week

• What to Know About ‘Welcome to Country’ Ceremony Used by Indigenous Australians: A New York Times article explains the meaning and protocols of Indigenous Australian ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies.

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