Summary of Bill HR 6931

Basic Information

• Bill Number: HR 6931
• Title: To approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Yavapai-Apache Nation in the State of Arizona, to authorize construction of a water project relating to those water rights claims, and for other purposes.
• Status: Introduced in the U.S. House
• Introduced Date: December 26, 2025
• Initial Action: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources (the same date)

Purpose and Intent

• The bill authorizes federal endorsement of a settlement addressing the water rights claims of the Yavapai-Apache Nation in Arizona.
• It also authorizes the construction of a water project connected to those rights claims.
• The “and for other purposes” clause indicates additional, related objectives may be addressed in the bill or accompanying measures.

Key Provisions (as described)

• Settlement Approval: The core aim is to approve a negotiated settlement of outstanding water rights claims involving the Yavapai-Apache Nation and the State of Arizona. This typically involves consent to terms that define rights to use water resources, allocations, or priority dates.
• Water Project Authorization: The bill directs or authorizes the construction of a specific water project tied to the settlement. This could involve infrastructure such as pipelines, conveyance systems, storage facilities, or related facilities designed to deliver or manage water as part of fulfilling the settlement.
• Scope and Related Provisions: The “other purposes” language suggests additional authorities or mandates related to implementation, funding, or administration of the settlement and project.

Who Is Affected

• Yavapai-Apache Nation: Primary beneficiary and party to the water rights settlement.
• State of Arizona: Stakeholder in the resolution of water rights and in any water project impacts.
• Federal Government (likely Bureau of Reclamation/Department of the Interior): Typically involved in federal approval, funding, and oversight of federally authorized water projects and settlements.
• Other Water Users and Stakeholders in Arizona: Potential impact on water allocations, project operations, and regional water management strategies.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Committee Referral: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on December 26, 2025.
• Potential Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee consideration, potential amendments, and votes in the House before moving to the Senate. Any authorization for construction would typically involve related federal planning, environmental reviews, and funding processes.

Notes

• Details such as specific settlement terms, project scope, funding mechanisms, timelines, environmental considerations, and oversight provisions are not included in the summary provided. For a full understanding, the bill text and any committee reports would need to be reviewed once available.