Texas Senate Bill SB2363

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to state recognition of the Mount Tabor Indian Community.

Impact

The primary impact of SB2363 is its establishment of a formal relationship between the state and the Mount Tabor Indian Community. While this recognition does not grant access to state resources or the ability to claim lands in trust, it allows the community to maintain autonomy in governance and pursue federal acknowledgment through appropriate channels. This aligns with broader trends of recognizing the importance of tribal sovereignty and supports communities in obtaining recognition through federal means, despite the limitations imposed by the state.

Summary

SB2363 seeks to grant official state recognition to the Associate Bands of the Mount Tabor Indian Community, acknowledging its members as American Indians. This recognition is symbolic as it does not confer eligibility for state services, funding, or the trust status of lands. The bill establishes that the community shall maintain its own governing documents and a membership roll, which is crucial for its self-identification as a tribe within the state of Texas. The legislation serves to provide a sense of identity and validation for the members of the Mount Tabor Indian Community in the eyes of the state.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB2363 could stem from the limitations placed on the tribe, particularly regarding the inability to establish eminent domain or affiliate with state land trusts. Some critics may argue that while recognition is valuable, the lack of access to services and trust status boundaries could hinder the community's development and resource acquisition. Furthermore, the bill’s provisions for pursuing federal acknowledgment could mean further hurdles and unpredictability in achieving a more recognized status within the federal framework, which may lead to debates about the adequacy of state recognition in addressing the needs of the community.