Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025
Summary
The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025 revokes Public Land Order 3309 and transfers approximately 265 acres of federal land in California into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. The land will become part of the Tribe's reservation and be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. The Act explicitly prohibits the use of the transferred land for Class II or Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Expected Effects
This Act will expand the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians' reservation by placing federal land into trust. The Tribe will have increased control over the land, subject to federal laws and regulations governing trust lands. The prohibition on gaming may limit potential economic development opportunities for the Tribe on this specific parcel.
Potential Benefits
- Tribal Sovereignty: Reinforces tribal sovereignty by expanding the reservation.
- Land Management: Allows the Tribe to manage the land according to their cultural and economic priorities.
- Resource Access: Potentially provides access to natural resources on the land.
- Cultural Preservation: Supports the preservation of cultural heritage sites located on the land.
- Economic Development (Limited): While gaming is prohibited, other forms of economic development are possible.
Potential Disadvantages
- Gaming Restriction: Prohibiting gaming may limit potential revenue streams for the Tribe.
- Federal Oversight: The land will be held in trust, meaning the Tribe's control is still subject to federal regulations.
- Potential Conflicts: Land use decisions could potentially lead to conflicts with neighboring landowners or local governments.
- Administrative Burden: The Tribe will need to manage the land, which may require additional administrative resources.
- Limited Scope: The Act only addresses a specific land transfer and may not address broader issues facing the Tribe.
Constitutional Alignment
This Act aligns 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 Supreme Court has affirmed Congress's broad authority over Indian affairs under the Indian Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The transfer of land into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians is consistent with this established principle.
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).