This bill allows North Dakota to exchange state-owned land parcels located on or near Indian reservations for equivalent federal public lands elsewhere in the state. When the state relinquishes land within reservation boundaries to the federal government, the Interior Department must approve the exchange within 180 days and complete the transfer within 60 days. Land relinquished within reservation boundaries automatically becomes tribal trust land at the tribe's request. The bill includes detailed valuation procedures requiring independent appraisals to ensure fair-value exchanges, though simple appraisals may be used for lower-value parcels under $500,000. The legislation protects existing grazing permits, mining leases, and Native American treaty rights, and requires hazardous materials inspections before any transfer. The bill does not affect any pending legal disputes over North Dakota land or mineral ownership, and all exchanges must be reconciled within five years of the final conveyance.
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