Tule River Tribe Reserved Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023

This bill resolves water rights disputes for the Tule River Tribe by confirming their right to up to 5,828 acre-feet of water annually from the South Fork Tule River. It ratifies a 2007 agreement between the Tribe, water users, and the U.S. government, creating a $518 million trust fund for water infrastructure projects and transferring approximately 10,000 acres of land to the Tribe in trust. The settlement includes waivers of past water rights claims against the U.S. government in exchange for these benefits, with implementation requiring court approval and meeting specific conditions. The bill ensures the Tribe can develop water infrastructure to support their reservation while balancing the needs of downstream water users. The agreement becomes effective only after all requirements, including court approval, are satisfied.