Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2023

HR 1304, the Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2023, settles water rights claims for the Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of Laguna, Pueblo of Jemez, and Pueblo of Zia in New Mexico. The bill establishes settlement trust funds totaling $1.1 billion (with $296 million for Acoma, $464 million for Laguna, $290 million for Jemez, and $200 million for Zia) to fund water infrastructure, management, and related projects. It requires the tribes to waive historical water rights claims against the United States and other parties, while preserving their ability to enforce current water rights and protect environmental quality. The settlement will become effective once specific conditions are met, including state law changes to allow water rights leases up to 99 years.