H.R.2302 - Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2302, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025, aims to transfer approximately 204.14 acres of federal land in California into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. This involves revoking Public Land Order 3309 and transferring jurisdiction to the Secretary of the Interior. The land will become part of the Tribe's reservation but cannot be used for gaming activities.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, will expand the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians' reservation by placing the specified land into trust. This gives the tribe greater control over the land's use and management, subject to federal laws and regulations governing trust lands. The prohibition on gaming aims to mitigate potential social or economic impacts associated with tribal gaming operations.
Potential Benefits
- Increased tribal sovereignty and self-determination through land ownership.
- Potential for economic development opportunities on the transferred land (excluding gaming).
- Preservation of cultural and historical sites important to the Tribe.
- Improved land management practices that align with tribal values and environmental stewardship.
- Clarification of land ownership and jurisdictional issues.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential loss of public access to the transferred land.
- Possible environmental impacts from tribal development activities.
- Concerns from neighboring landowners or communities regarding land use changes.
- Administrative costs associated with the land transfer and trust management.
- Limited economic benefits due to the prohibition of gaming on the land.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, which has been recognized through treaties, statutes, and court decisions. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention Native American affairs, the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) has been interpreted to grant Congress broad authority over Indian affairs. The transfer of land into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians can be seen as an exercise of this authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).