Summary

Requires the Bureau of Indian Affairs to follow strict, short deadlines and notice rules when it reviews or approves residential and business leasehold mortgages, land mortgages, and rights-of-way on Indian trust land, and creates a Realty Ombudsman to monitor compliance and act as a point of contact for tribes, tribal members, and lenders. The bill defines key terms, requires prompt completeness checks and specific timeframes for written approvals or disapprovals, mandates certified title status report timing, prescribes electronic and mail notice procedures (with an opt-out), and requires delay notices when deadlines are missed.

• Sets short, specific deadlines for the BIA to review and act on mortgage and right-of-way packages (10-day completeness review, 20-day decisions for leasehold mortgages, 30-day decisions for land mortgages/ROW).
• Requires prompt written approvals or disapprovals and written explanations for any disapproval.
• Mandates timely completion of first and subsequent certified title status reports (10-day or 14-day timeframes depending on circumstances).
• Requires dual delivery of notices (secure electronic encryption and U.S. mail) with an opt-out option for electronic notice.
• Obligates the BIA to send immediate delay notices when statutorily required processing deadlines are missed.
• Creates a Realty Ombudsman reporting to the Secretary to monitor compliance, act as a liaison, and handle complaints from tribes, tribal members, and lenders.
• Defines key terms and names relevant federal agencies (USDA, HUD, VA) that guarantee or make loans on Indian land to clarify responsibilities and coordination.
• Does not appropriate funds or change substantive land-title law; primarily imposes administrative deadlines and oversight requirements on the BIA.