What does Preamble of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This bill aims to assist Tribal governments in managing buffalo and buffalo habitat. The bill also seeks to facilitate the reestablishment of buffalo on Indian land.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act.

What does FINDINGS; PURPOSES. of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This section establishes findings regarding the historical significance of buffalo to Native American tribes. It notes that buffalo sustained many tribes for centuries before near extermination and that the cultural and spiritual connection remains strong. The section states that tribes desire the reestablishment of buffalo for cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes. Restoration of buffalo would allow tribes to benefit from dietary improvements, spiritual reconnection, and potential economic development. The purposes of the Act include fulfilling the government-to-government relationship regarding buffalo management. The Act aims to promote tribal capacity in managing buffalo and habitat, and to protect and conserve buffalo populations. It seeks to maximize the benefit of buffalo and habitat for tribes through integrated resource management plans. The Act intends to increase buffalo production to meet tribal needs and promote tribal inclusion in relevant decision-making processes.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Buffalo” is defined as an animal of the subspecies Bison bison bison. “Buffalo habitat” is defined as Indian land managed for buffalo. “Department” refers to the Department of the Interior. “Indian land” is defined by reference to the Energy Policy Act of 1992, with a specific clarification regarding ‘Indian reservation’. “Indian Tribe” is defined by reference to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of the Interior. “Tribal organization” is defined as a legally established organization of Indians chartered under specific acts or federally chartered under the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act, and possessing demonstrable experience in buffalo and habitat restoration.

What does BUFFALO RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This section establishes the Buffalo Resource Management program. The Secretary is directed to coordinate with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to promote buffalo management and habitat development. The Secretary is authorized to enter into contracts and award grants to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations for buffalo restoration, management, and commercial activities. The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to Tribes and organizations engaged in buffalo-related activities. Existing federal and state laws regarding diseased buffalo or escaped buffalo are not diminished by this section.

What does CONSULTATION; COORDINATION. of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This section requires the Secretary to consult with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations regarding Department initiatives impacting buffalo or buffalo habitat. The consultation must occur within one year of the Act's enactment and on an ongoing basis. The Secretary must develop a policy for buffalo and buffalo habitat management activities on Indian land. This policy must align with goals and objectives of buffalo management programs approved by Indian Tribes. The policy must also adhere to Tribal laws and ordinances.

What does PROTECTION OF INFORMATION. of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This section establishes a restriction on the Secretary's ability to disclose information. The Secretary is prohibited from disclosing information provided by an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization. The restriction applies to information identified by the Tribe or organization as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or confidential.

What does BUFFALO FROM FEDERAL LAND. of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This section allows the Secretary to enter into agreements with Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations to dispose of surplus buffalo on Federal land. Tribes or organizations may apply to the Secretary to receive these buffalo. The Secretary may waive charges associated with the buffalo transfer, including fees described in 36 CFR section 10.2.

What does TREATY RIGHTS RETAINED. of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This section states that the Act does not affect the treaty rights of any Indian Tribe.

What does SUNSET. of Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act do?

This section establishes a sunset provision for the authority granted by the Act.

Back to bills

Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act

Last updated: 3/17/2026 · Introduced: 3/17/2026

Author: Jeff Hurd (R-CO)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Buffalo Resource Management program to support Tribal governments in managing buffalo and their habitat through contracts, grants, and technical assistance.
The Secretary of the Interior is required to consult with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations on policies and initiatives related to buffalo management on Indian land.
The bill allows the Secretary to transfer surplus buffalo from federal land to Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, potentially waiving associated fees.

119th Congressin committeeS. 3478(In Committee)Official page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

10 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account