What does Preamble of S 3478 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 S 3478 do?

This bill is formally titled the Indian Buffalo Management Act.

What does FINDINGS; PURPOSES. of S 3478 do?

This section establishes findings regarding the historical and cultural significance of buffalo to Indian Tribes. It notes that buffalo sustained Indian Tribes for centuries before near extermination and that the connection between buffalo and Tribes remains strong. The section states that Tribes desire the reestablishment of buffalo for cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes. Restoration of buffalo could benefit Tribes through dietary improvements, spiritual reconnection, and 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. It seeks to protect, conserve, and enhance buffalo for Tribal subsistence, culture, and economic development. The Act intends to maximize the benefit of buffalo and habitat for Tribes through integrated resource management plans. A goal is to increase buffalo production to meet Tribal needs. The Act promotes the inclusion of Indian Tribes in relevant decision-making processes and forums.

What does DEFINITIONS. of S 3478 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” has the meaning given in the Energy Policy Act of 1992, with a specific clarification regarding 'Indian reservation'. “Indian Tribe” has the meaning defined in 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 and recognized by Indian Tribes, or federally chartered under the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act, and possessing demonstrable experience in buffalo and habitat restoration.

What does BUFFALO RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. of S 3478 do?

This section, titled 'Buffalo Resource Management,' directs the Secretary to coordinate with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations regarding buffalo and buffalo habitat. The Secretary is authorized to enter into contracts and award grants to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to support buffalo restoration, management, and commercial activities. These grants can fund planning, conducting, or implementing buffalo restoration programs, commercial activities related to buffalo, supporting mobile meat processing facilities, and other related activities. The Secretary must provide technical assistance to Tribes and organizations receiving grants or entering into agreements under this section. This section clarifies that existing federal and state laws regarding diseased buffalo or escaped buffalo are not diminished.

What does CONSULTATION; COORDINATION. of S 3478 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 S 3478 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. Information is protected if it is identified as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or confidential by the providing Tribe or organization.

What does BUFFALO FROM FEDERAL LAND. of S 3478 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 C.F.R. section 10.2.

What does TREATY RIGHTS RETAINED. of S 3478 do?

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

What does SUNSET. of S 3478 do?

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

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Indian Buffalo Management Act — S. 3478

Last updated: 12/15/2025 · Introduced: 12/15/2025

Author: Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill aims to assist Tribal governments in managing buffalo and reestablishing them on Indian land, recognizing their historical and cultural significance.
The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to provide grants and contracts to Tribes and Tribal organizations for buffalo restoration, management, and related commercial activities, including supporting mobile meat processing.
The bill requires consultation with Tribes regarding Department initiatives impacting buffalo and protects culturally sensitive information shared by Tribes or organizations.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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

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