H.R. 43 · Signed into law · Native Americans

Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025

Sponsor: Nicholas J. Begich III (R-AK)

What it does

• Remove the requirement that Alaska Native village corporations convey lands to Alaska or existing municipalities under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).
• Allow Alaska Native village corporations to dissolve existing trusts and regain title to lands through formal resolution by the corporation and village residents.
• Give Alaska Native villages control over municipal land previously held in trust by the state.

Official summary

Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025 This bill removes the requirement that Alaska Native village corporations must convey lands to Alaska to be held in trust for future municipal governments. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) requires all Alaska Native village corporations that receive land under the ANCSA to convey certain lands to the existing municipality in the village or, if no municipality exists, to Alaska in trust for any municipality that may be established in the future. This bill removes the requirement for conveyance. Additionally, the bill allows village corporations to regain title to the lands held in trust by dissolving the trust through formal resolution by the village corporation and the residents of the Native village.

Latest action

Jul 7, 2025: Became Public Law No: 119-23.

Committee: House Natural Resources