Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025
Summary
The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025 aims to transfer approximately 265 acres of federal land in California into trust for the benefit of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. This involves revoking Public Land Order 3309 and directing the Secretary of the Interior to place the specified land into trust within 180 days of the Act's enactment.
The land will become part of the Tribe's reservation and will be administered according to laws applicable to trust property for Indian Tribes. However, the Act explicitly prohibits the use of this land for Class II or Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
The Act defines key terms such as "Map," "Reservation," "Secretary," and "Tribe" to ensure clarity in its implementation.
Expected Effects
The Act will formally expand the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians' reservation by adding approximately 265 acres of land held in trust by the federal government. This transfer provides the Tribe with greater control over these lands.
However, the prohibition on gaming activities on the transferred land restricts potential economic development options for the Tribe. The Secretary of Interior will administer the land according to existing regulations for tribal trust lands.
Potential Benefits
- Tribal Sovereignty: The land transfer strengthens the Tribe's sovereignty by expanding its land base.
- Resource Management: The Tribe gains greater control over the management and use of the transferred land.
- Cultural Preservation: The land may hold cultural or historical significance for the Tribe, allowing for better preservation efforts.
- Economic Development (Non-Gaming): The Tribe can explore non-gaming economic development opportunities on the land.
- Community Development: The additional land can be used for housing, infrastructure, or other community development projects.
Potential Disadvantages
- Gaming Restriction: The prohibition on gaming limits potential revenue generation for the Tribe.
- Bureaucratic Processes: The transfer process involves bureaucratic procedures and potential delays.
- Land Use Restrictions: As trust land, the property is subject to federal regulations, which may limit certain uses.
- Potential for Disputes: Existing rights and potential land disputes could complicate the transfer process.
- Limited Immediate Economic Impact: The immediate economic impact may be limited without gaming or other development plans.
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 through the Indian Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3).
The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The prohibition on gaming is a policy decision within Congress's authority to regulate tribal activities.
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).