Title 25, IndiansRelease 119-102
§396c Lessees of Restricted Lands to Furnish Bonds for Performance
Title 25 › CHAPTER 12 — LEASE, SALE, OR SURRENDER OF ALLOTTED OR UNALLOTTED LANDS › § 396c
Summary
After May 11, 1938, people who lease restricted Indian lands for mining, including oil and gas, must post corporate surety bonds in amounts the Secretary of the Interior approves to guarantee they follow the lease. Personal surety bonds are allowed only if backed by U.S. government debt equal to the full bond, other approved collateral, 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 25, Indians
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102