August 02, 2026 to August 08, 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.

Want to see GR activities in areas related to Tribal Affairs? Don't miss this week's updates in Social Issues and Environment. Also consider subscribing to our Indigenous Affairs - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

DOJ Announces 2025 Census of Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies (CTLEA)

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) at the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated the reinstatement of the Census of Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies (CTLEA) for 2025, with anticipated fielding from September through December 2026. The CTLEA survey gathers data on staffing, functions, workloads, training, and operations from tribal law enforcement agencies. The 2025 census is projected to involve 303 agencies, each taking roughly 30 minutes to complete the web survey, plus additional time for reviewing materials and data quality follow-up, resulting in a total burden of 260 hours. Reports generated from this effort will inform Congress, tribal nations, and criminal justice stakeholders on emerging issues since the last survey in 2018.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Seeks Public Comments on Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) Programs

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is requesting public input on a proposed information collection related to Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) Formula and Competitive Programs. The comment period, ending September 3, 2026, covers data collection for federally recognized Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and tribally designated housing entities. Estimated annual program burden is 78,695 hours with a cost of $3,549,145. The process includes assessment of housing stock, administrative capacity, performance monitoring, and Congressional reporting. HUD relies on forms such as HUD-4117 and SF-424 for these purposes.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: Louisiana Division of Archaeology, Office of Cultural Development, Baton Rouge, LA

The Louisiana Division of Archaeology has completed an inventory of human remains representing four individuals but has determined no lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization with cultural affiliation. The remains are from seizures and collections made between 2018 and 2021. Invitations to consult were sent to multiple regional Tribes, but cultural affiliation could not be verified. Interested parties may request repatriation on or after September 2, 2026, as provided under NAGPRA.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, CA

California State University, Sacramento, has posted notice for the repatriation of 20 cultural items considered sacred objects under NAGPRA. The collection, donated between 1956 and the late 1950s, includes artifacts from Hawai‘i such as a walrus tusk necklace, Kapa samples, and stone tools. The university identified Hui Iwi Kuamo‘o as the affiliated Native Hawaiian organization. Requests for repatriation can be submitted by lineal descendants or affiliated groups, with final determinations to be handled by university staff.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Intended Repatriation: Museum of Ventura County, Ventura, CA

Museum of Ventura County has issued a notice regarding repatriation of two baskets, defined as objects of cultural patrimony, originally donated by the Gonsman family in 1981. The items are affiliated with the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians of California. Requests may be submitted by descendants or Tribal organizations, with repatriation scheduled for September 2, 2026, or later.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to include Indian Tribes in the defense community infrastructure program

Bill 5247 was introduced to amend Title 10 and include Indian Tribes in the defense community infrastructure program. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act

Senate Bill 1514 would transfer specified land to the Quinault Indian Nation. The Committee on Indian Affairs ordered it reported with an amendment favorably.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025

Senate Bill 3219 addresses federal action concerning the Albuquerque Indian School. The Committee on Indian Affairs ordered it reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Crow Revenue Act

Senate Bill 239 relates to revenue distribution for the Crow Tribe. The bill was ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably by the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Pit River Land Transfer Act of 2025

House Bill 2400 pertains to transferring land to the Pit River Tribe. The Committee on Indian Affairs ordered it reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to establish a budgetary Tribal Government consultation process at the Department of Agriculture

Bill 5240 would amend agricultural statutes to require a Tribal Government consultation process during budgeting at the Department of Agriculture. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• British Columbia is logging its last old growth. Protesters are sleeping in the road to stop it: Old growth logging in British Columbia faces roadblock protests from Indigenous and environmental groups.
• Mobile lung screening unit brings cancer checks to Australia's remote Aboriginal communities: Cancer screening access expands in remote Aboriginal areas with mobile medical units deployed.

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