Protecting Indian Water Rights Settlements Act of 2026

This bill creates two new funding accounts within the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund to support specific tribal water agreements. The first account provides $45 million annually from 2026 to 2035 to cover ongoing maintenance and repair costs for five existing settlements involving the Ak-Chin, Colorado Ute, Hualapai, and other tribes. The second account allocates $250 million annually over the same period to help complete new or continuing water rights settlements approved by Congress. These funds are managed by the Secretary of the Interior and can be transferred directly to tribal trust funds without needing additional yearly approval from Congress. Additionally, the legislation extends the expiration date for certain customs user fees from December 31, 2031, to September 30, 2035.