Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025

Faster mortgages on tribal trust land

If enacted, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) would have to set up a Realty Ombudsman in its Division of Real Estate Services. The ombudsman would take complaints and work with tribes, lenders, and federal agencies to fix mortgage and title delays. The BIA would have to acknowledge receipt of proposed mortgage or right-of-way papers as soon as practicable and finish a preliminary check within 10 calendar days. If papers or documents are missing, the BIA would notify the lender within 2 calendar days of finding the missing items. The BIA would approve or disapprove complete residential or business leasehold mortgages within 20 calendar days, except for applicants that are tribes approved under 25 U.S.C. 415(h). Land mortgages and right-of-way documents would be decided within 30 calendar days. After approval, the BIA would complete first and subsequent certified title status reports within 10 calendar days, and it must finish a requested first certified title status report within 14 calendar days. The BIA would notify lenders by secure electronic means and by U.S. mail, and lenders could opt out of electronic notice. The bill would also define key mortgage terms and which Federal agencies count for guaranteed loans on Indian land.