Sioux Empire Today

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson has introduced the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, aimed at promoting homeownership and simplifying the mortgage approval process on tribal trust land. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has presented similar legislation in the Senate.

"Homeownership is a dream for many across America, and it’s no different on tribal lands," stated Johnson. "Unfortunately, the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) bureaucracy has made it more difficult than it already is. There must be accountability for the BIA so purchasers and lenders can operate with certainty."

Sharon Vogel, Chair of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition, expressed support: "We strongly support the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, which reinforces the essential role of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and encourages the flow of private capital on tribal land. This legislation clears the way for Tribal Nations to prioritize homeownership and self-sufficiency for tribal citizens. We thank Congressman Dusty Johnson and Majority Leader John Thune for his leadership on this important issue."

The current process requires mortgages involving property on tribal trust land to be reviewed by the BIA, with timelines set by their Mortgage Handbook that are not always followed.

The proposed act seeks to streamline this by:

- Reducing BIA red tape and ensuring timely mortgage processing.

- Establishing statutory timelines for BIA mortgage approvals.

- Mandating lender notification upon receipt of documentation and preliminary review within 10 days.

- Requiring approval or disapproval within 20 or 30 days based on application type.

- Notifying lenders when relevant documents are received.

- Improving federal agency operations related to tribal housing programs through better communication facilitated by a realty ombudsman within the BIA.

The act is co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Ryan Zinke, Tom Cole, and Joe Neguse, with endorsement from the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition.