To direct the Secretary of the Interior to take into trust for the benefit of the San Felipe Pueblo certain Federal land in Sandoval County, New Mexico, and for other purposes.
Impact
The bill will have significant implications for the management of land in Sandoval County. Once the land is taken into trust, it will not be used for any class II or III gaming activities as defined under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This measure reflects a commitment to maintaining the land for the specific purposes of cultural and traditional use, likely aimed at preserving the heritage and practices of the San Felipe Pueblo community. Additionally, provisions in the bill ensure ongoing grazing rights under certain conditions, allowing current lease arrangements to persist even after the transfer.
Summary
House Bill 9789 aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to take into trust approximately 7,167 acres of federal land located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, for the benefit of the San Felipe Pueblo. The bill outlines specific procedures for the transfer of land into trust status, which is a common practice to facilitate the governance and self-determination of Native American tribes. The legislation not only seeks to secure land for the Pueblo but also designates certain easements to allow access to the land for cultural and religious practices by federally recognized tribes.
Contention
While the bill is primarily focused on benefiting the San Felipe Pueblo, potential points of contention may arise surrounding the environmental management of the land and the rights of other stakeholders. The easement for access roads and the conditions tied to grazing leases might lead to disputes regarding land use, including concerns over land preservation for future generations versus agricultural exploitation. Moreover, the prohibition against gaming could be a topic of debate, considering the financial independence such activities may provide to tribal governments.
To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to administratively transfer covered parcels of National Forest System land to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the benefit of Indian Tribes.
To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.
Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of the Interior to take approximately 721.12 acres of land in San Diego County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, if the tribe transfers title to that land to the United States. The land is made part of the Pala Indian Reservation. The bill generally prohibits gaming on any of the land taken into trust.
To authorize certain States to take certain actions on certain Federal land to secure an international border of the United States, and for other purposes.
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land in California as the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Interior to submit to Congress a report on the National Park Service's interpretation and application of the Standards for Rehabilitation for use of the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program.