Us Congress Senate Bill SB1363

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/9/25

Caption

New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act

Impact

The bill mandates the creation of a memorandum of understanding between the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior and the New Mexico Land Grant Council. This memorandum will outline the processes for permitting various historical or traditional uses on federal lands and potentially include provisions for fee waivers or reductions based on the socioeconomic status of the land grant communities. The overarching goal is to ensure that these historical practices can continue in a manner that respects federal regulations while supporting local traditions.

Summary

SB1363, known as the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act, focuses on fostering collaboration between the Federal Government and the governing bodies of land grant-mercedes in New Mexico. The bill aims to establish a framework for recognizing and permitting historical and traditional uses of federal public lands by these communities. This recognition is essential to support the cultural and historical heritage of the land grants and their associated community users, who may engage in activities such as subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering of plants.

Contention

While the bill seeks to enhance cooperation, there are concerns regarding the balance of authority between federal regulations and local community practices. Critics may argue that while the bill is intended to empower land grant-mercedes, there could be potential bureaucratic hurdles in permitting processes that might complicate access to federal lands for historical uses. Additionally, there is the need for continuous collaboration with Indian Tribes, which could influence how these traditional practices are implemented and regulated, ensuring that no treaty rights are compromised under the provisions of the new law.