Title 25IndiansRelease 119-73not60

§396c Lessees of Restricted Lands to Furnish Bonds for Performance

Title 25 › Chapter 12— LEASE, SALE, OR SURRENDER OF ALLOTTED OR UNALLOTTED LANDS › § 396c

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

From May 11, 1938, people who lease restricted Indian land (tribal or allotted) for mining, including oil and gas, must post a corporate surety bond in an amount the Secretary of the Interior approves. Personal surety bonds are allowed only if backed by U.S. government debt equal to the bond, other collateral the Secretary accepts, or unencumbered real estate worth twice the bond.

Full Legal Text

Title 25, §396c

Indians — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

On and after May 11, 1938, lessees of restricted Indian lands, tribal or allotted, for mining purposes, including oil and gas, shall furnish corporate surety bonds, in amounts satisfactory to the Secretary of the Interior, guaranteeing compliance with the terms of their leases: Provided, That personal surety bonds may be accepted where the sureties deposit as collateral with the said Secretary of the Interior any public-debt obligations of the United States guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States equal to the full amount of such bonds, or other collateral satisfactory to the Secretary of the Interior, or show ownership to unencumbered real estate of a value equal to twice the amount of the bonds.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Repeal of Inconsistent ActsFor repeal of inconsistent acts, see section 7 of act May 11, 1938, set out as a note under section 396a of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

25 U.S.C. § 396c

Title 25Indians

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60