New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3617

Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

Provides State recognition of Sandhill Indian Tribe for certain limited purposes.

Impact

The passage of AB A3617 would amend State law to afford the Sandhill Indian Tribe certain recognitions, which could facilitate their access to programmatic federal benefits designed for tribal entities. However, the bill explicitly states that this recognition does not grant the tribe any rights typically associated with state or federal tribal recognition in relation to gaming, tobacco sales, or claims to ancestral land. Thus, while it allows for specific benefits, it is also limited in scope, and does not confer broader rights that may be associated with full tribal status under federal law.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3617 seeks to provide official state recognition to the Sandhill Indian Tribe, based in Neptune, New Jersey, for specific, limited purposes. The recognition aims to assist the tribe in accessing federal education, job training, and housing benefits, as well as in qualifying for grants available to Indian tribes. It also seeks to protect the tribe's ability to engage in traditional practices and safeguard burial sites and artifacts, while ensuring that handicrafts produced by tribal members can be sold as 'Indian made'.

Contention

Notably, a point of contention surrounding A3617 could arise from the limitations placed on the recognition provided by the state. While proponents argue that the bill is a positive step toward acknowledging the existence and cultural heritage of the Sandhill Indian Tribe, critics may highlight the restricted nature of this recognition, arguing that it inadequately supports the tribe’s broader rights and claims. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the recognition does not suggest any form of approval to engage in activities typically associated with tribal sovereignty, such as gambling, which could lead to discussions about the adequacy of state-level acknowledgment of native entities.

Companion Bills

NJ S676

Same As Provides State recognition of Sandhill Indian Tribe for certain limited purposes.

NJ S2514

Carry Over Provides State recognition of Sandhill Indian Tribe for certain limited purposes.

NJ A4506

Carry Over Provides State recognition of Sandhill Indian Tribe for certain limited purposes.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2514

Provides State recognition of Sandhill Indian Tribe for certain limited purposes.

NJ A4506

Provides State recognition of Sandhill Indian Tribe for certain limited purposes.

NJ S676

Provides State recognition of Sandhill Indian Tribe for certain limited purposes.

NJ H7477

JOINT RESOLUTION CONFERRING LIMITED PURPOSE RECOGNITION TO THE NATIVE AMERICAN SEACONKE WAMPANOAG TRIBE (Recognizes the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe as a Native American Indian tribe for the limited purpose of assisting this tribe in establishing eligibility for federal benefits and privileges.)

NJ H8347

JOINT RESOLUTION CONFERRING LIMITED PURPOSE RECOGNITION TO THE NATIVE AMERICAN SEACONKE WAMPANOAG TRIBE

NJ H5733

JOINT RESOLUTION CONFERRING LIMITED PURPOSE RECOGNITION TO THE NATIVE AMERICAN SEACONKE WAMPANOAG TRIBE

NJ H7470

Recognition Of Native American Tribes

NJ H5021

Recognition Of Native American Tribes

NJ S2238

Recognizes the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe as a Native American Indian tribe for the limited purpose of assisting this tribe in establishing eligibility for federal benefits and privileges.

NJ HB2134

American Indians, Va. recognized tribes, and federally recognized tribes; definitions, sovereignty.

Similar Bills

CA AB2261

Facial recognition technology.

VA SB741

Facial recognition technology; authorized uses.

VA HB1339

Facial recognition technology; redefines, local law enforcement and campus police to utilize.

VA HB1339

Facial recognition technology; redefines, local law enforcement and campus police to utilize.

GA HB1245

Law enforcement officers and agencies; facial recognition technology; provisions

CA AB1395

Information privacy: other connected device with a voice recognition feature.

HI SB156

Relating To Violation Of Privacy.

HI HB1226

Relating To Violation Of Privacy.