BIA Renews Forms for Indian Child Custody Lawyer Pay: Feedback Invited
Published Date: 1/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is renewing its paperwork for paying lawyers in state court cases involving Indian children taken from their families. This renewal keeps things the same, so no new costs or changes are coming. People have until February 20, 2026, to share their thoughts before the paperwork gets final approval.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
BIA Continues Counsel Payments under ICWA
If you are an indigent Indian parent or Indian custodian in a state-court involuntary child custody case, the Bureau of Indian Affairs will continue to accept written requests from State courts under 25 CFR 23.13 so the BIA Regional Director can decide whether to certify payment of your appointed counsel under the Indian Child Welfare Act. The collection is being renewed without change (OMB Control Number 1076-0111); the BIA estimates 2 State-court requests per year, 3 hours per response, and a total annual burden of 6 hours. Comments on the renewal are due by February 20, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11661 — Indian Gaming; Approval by Operation of Law of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe and State of Washington Gaming Compact
The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe and Washington State’s gaming agreement just got an automatic green light! Starting June 11, 2026, electronic table games are officially allowed on the Tribe’s lands, thanks to a new amendment that went into effect without delay. This means more fun and new gaming options for players, with no extra waiting or paperwork needed.
2026-11005 — HEARTH Act Approval of Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Business Leasing Ordinance
The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma got the green light to handle their own business leases on tribal land starting May 21, 2026. This means they can make deals faster without needing extra approval from the federal government, boosting their control and economic growth. Plus, state and local taxes won’t apply to these leases, helping the Tribe keep more money in their community.
2026-10861 — Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California; Liquor Control Ordinance
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California just passed a new Liquor Control Ordinance that lets them regulate alcohol sales and use on their tribal lands, including Vallejo County. This means tribal businesses and special events can sell liquor legally, helping boost tribal government funds and services. The new rules kick in on June 1, 2026, opening fresh opportunities for the tribe’s economy and community.
2026-10421 — Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico; Liquor Ordinance Amendment
The Pueblo of Taos in New Mexico updated its liquor rules to better control alcohol use, sales, and production on their land. These changes, effective May 26, 2026, affect everyone living in or visiting the Pueblo and may include new fees or regulations. This update helps the Pueblo protect its community while managing alcohol responsibly.
2026-10420 — Indian Child Welfare Act; Designated Tribal Agents for Service of Notice
The Indian Child Welfare Act lets tribes pick someone other than the Tribal chairman to get official notices about child custody cases. This update shares the latest list of those designated agents, effective May 26, 2026, replacing last year’s list. Tribes, courts, and families involved in these cases should use this new list to make sure notices reach the right people on time—no extra costs, just smoother communication!
2026-10422 — Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Liquor Act; Correction
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s Liquor Act got a date fix—turns out the tribe approved it on June 11, 2024, not the previously published date. This correction makes the Act officially effective as of May 26, 2026, so tribal liquor rules are now crystal clear and ready to roll. If you’re part of or work with the tribe, this update confirms when the liquor laws kick in—no surprises, just smooth sailing ahead!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01035 — Sunshine Act Meetings
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is holding an open meeting on January 22, 2026, to discuss updates on rules about dependent care and board member expenses, plus the budget for the Central Liquidity Facility. This affects credit union leaders and members by clarifying reimbursements and financial plans for the next year. No new costs or delays are expected, but it’s a key moment for transparency and planning.
Next: 2026-01037 — Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Board of Actuaries (DoD MERHC BoA); Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Meeting
The Department of Defense held a virtual meeting on September 22, 2025, to review how they calculate health care benefits for retirees who qualify for Medicare. This affects military retirees and could influence future health care costs and benefits. Although the meeting already happened, the DoD is sharing the details now to keep everyone in the loop.