Establishment of Realty Ombudsman position

Source Credit

(a) In general
The Director shall establish within the Division of Real Estate Services of the Bureau the position of Realty Ombudsman, who shall report directly to the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Functions
The Realty Ombudsman shall—
(1) ensure that the applicable Bureau offices are meeting the mortgage review and processing deadlines established by section 5902(a) of this title;
(2) ensure that the applicable Bureau offices comply with the notices required under subsections (a) and (b) of section 5902 of this title;
(3) serve as a liaison to other Federal agencies, including by—
(A) ensuring the Bureau is responsive to all of the inquiries from the relevant Federal agencies; and
(B) helping to facilitate communications between the relevant Federal agencies and the Bureau on matters relating to mortgages on Indian land;
(4) receive inquiries, questions, and complaints directly from Indian Tribes, members of Indian Tribes, and lenders in regard to executed residential leasehold mortgages, business leasehold mortgages, land mortgages, or right-of-way documents; and
(5) serve as the intermediary between the Indian Tribes, members of Indian Tribes, and lenders and the Bureau in responding to inquiries and questions and resolving complaints.

History

(Pub. L. 119–88, §4, May 4, 2026, 140 Stat. 816.)