This bill passed the Senate with broad support and updates a law that was already approved in 2020. It is a specific land transfer that usually faces few obstacles in the House.
Key Points
This bill expands a 2020 law to return more federal land in Minnesota to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. It specifically targets land in the Chippewa National Forest that was originally sold without the permission of the rightful owners.
The government will work with the tribe to swap certain pieces of land on an acre-for-acre basis. This helps keep tribal lands connected and avoids creating small islands of federal land surrounded by tribal property.
The bill makes it clear that hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation rules for people who are not members of the tribe will stay the same. Existing state agreements regarding these rights are protected.
The Forest Service must allow the public to give feedback and comments before these land transfers happen. This ensures local residents have a say in how the process moves forward.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
6 milestones10 actions
Dec 15, 2025House
Held at the desk.
Dec 15, 2025House
Received in the House.
The House has received the Senate-passed bill and will decide whether to take it up.
Dec 15, 2025Senate
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Dec 11, 2025Senate
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8687-8688; text: CR S8688)
The Senate voted to approve this bill. If the House already passed it, it goes to the President.
Dec 11, 2025
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
The Senate voted to approve this bill. If the House already passed it, it goes to the President.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025
