Sponsors (3)
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Updates the Tribal Forest Protection Act to change how “Indian forest land or rangeland” is defined, updates cross-references to refer to Federal land and Indian forest land or rangeland, replaces an old enactment-date citation with a named amendments act, and authorizes $15,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026–2031 to support tribal forest protection activities. The bill revises 25 U.S.C. 3115a and related cross-references to reflect these definitional and technical changes and to provide a multiyear funding authorization.
Replaces subsection (a) paragraph (2) with a new definition of "Indian forest land or rangeland." The new definition covers (A) land held in trust by or with a restriction against alienation by the United States for an Indian tribe or a member of an Indian tribe that either (i) is Indian forest land as defined in section 304 of the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act (25 U.S.C. 3103), (ii) has a cover of grasses, brush, or similar vegetation, or (iii) formerly had a forest or vegetative cover capable of restoration; and (B) land in the State of Alaska held by an Alaska Native Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
Makes multiple edits in subsection (b): (A) edits the subsection heading (text indicates insertion but exact inserted text is not specified in this excerpt), (B) in paragraph (1) strikes the phrase "to protect Indian forest land or rangeland" and following text through a specified point and inserts the phrase "Indian forest land or rangeland)", and (C) in paragraph (3) replaces longer text with the shorter phrase "or Indian forest land or rangeland."
Edits subsection (c) wording and paragraph structure: (A) inserts text into the subsection heading (specific insertion not shown in excerpt), (B) replaces certain introductory matter to refer to "Federal land" and to add whether the Federal land has a special geographic, historical, or cultural significance to the Indian tribe, (C) revises paragraph (1) subparagraph (A) clause (i) to list "Indian forest land or rangeland" and makes a related insertion in clause (ii), (D) redesignates former paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), (E) in the redesignated paragraph (2) replaces the word "subject" with "Federal", and (F) in redesignated paragraph (3) replaces "Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management" with "Federal."
In subsection (g), replaces the phrase "date of enactment of this Act" with the phrase "Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025."
Adds subsection (h) authorizing appropriations: "There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031."
Primary impacts fall on tribal governments and tribal communities that manage or seek to protect tribal forest lands and rangelands. By changing the statutory definition, more (or more clearly specified) tribal lands may qualify for projects under the Tribal Forest Protection Act, which can enable additional collaborative projects with Federal land managers to reduce wildfire risk, perform hazardous fuels treatments, restore forest health, and otherwise protect tribal forest resources. Federal agencies that manage adjacent Federal lands (for example, agencies administering National Forests) will need to apply the revised definitions in negotiating agreements and in program administration. The authorized funding ($15M/year for FY2026–2031) provides an explicit authorization level to support such activities, increasing the potential resource base for projects, training, and tribal capacity building, but actual funding requires separate appropriations. Local communities near treated lands may see reduced wildfire risk and associated economic and public-safety benefits. Administrative actions likely required include updating agency guidance, revising intergovernmental agreement templates, and adjusting program planning. The bill is largely technical and enabling rather than prescriptive, and it does not create new mandate obligations for states or tribes beyond existing program participation requirements.
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Received in the House.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Introduced February 25, 2025 by Lisa Murkowski · Last progress December 15, 2025
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8689; text: CR S8689)