A long‑sought bill backed by South Dakota’s congressional delegation is now law after President Donald Trump signed the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act on Wednesday.
Sponsored by Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds and Representative Dusty Johnson, the bipartisan law establishes firm timelines for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to process home mortgage applications on tribal trust land. Supporters say the change will streamline the process and expand opportunities for homeownership in tribal communities.
Sen. Thune said the law should create more flexibility and help more tribal members buy homes, while Sen. Rounds called it a long‑overdue win for tribes in South Dakota. Rep. Johnson said the law will make it significantly easier to buy homes or businesses on trust land.
The legislation also creates a realty ombudsman within the BIA to improve communication with tribes, tribal members and lenders.
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