H.R. 4750: Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act

The "Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act" is a piece of legislation that aims to formally recognize the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia at the federal level. Here’s a breakdown of the main components of the bill:

1. Short Title

The Act is referred to as the "Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act."

2. Findings

This section outlines various historical points about the Patawomeck Tribe, establishing their presence in Virginia from the 1600s, detailing significant events affecting the Tribe such as wars, their interactions with early European settlers, and their preservation of culture despite historical struggles such as the Racial Integrity Act of 1924, which erased Indian identity from records in Virginia.

3. Definitions

The bill defines key terms such as:

• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of the Interior.
• Tribal member: An enrolled member of the Tribe as of the bill's enactment.
• Tribe: Specifically refers to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe.

4. Federal Recognition

This section states:

• Federal Recognition: The bill formally extends federal recognition to the Patawomeck Tribe.
• Applicability of Laws: The Tribe will be eligible for the same laws and regulations that apply to other federally recognized tribes.

Furthermore, it makes the Tribe and its members eligible for federal services and benefits usually available to federally recognized tribes, even without a designated reservation.

5. Membership; Governing Documents

The membership roll and any governing documents for the Tribe will be the most recent ones submitted to the Secretary before the enactment date of this bill.

6. Governing Body

The governing body will be the one in place at the time of the bill's enactment or any future governing body elected according to the Tribe's governing documents.

7. Reservation of the Tribe

This section allows the Tribe to request that the Secretary of the Interior take certain lands into trust for their benefit. The lands considered for trust must be located within King George County, Spotsylvania County, or Stafford County, Virginia. Any lands taken into trust can be treated as part of the Tribe's reservation upon request. However, the bill expressly states that the Tribe may not conduct gaming activities based on federal recognition or other claims of authority.

8. Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, Gathering, and Water Rights

The bill clarifies that it does not change any existing rights for hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, and water use by the Tribe or its members.

9. Eminent Domain

The use of eminent domain to acquire lands for the Patawomeck Tribe is prohibited under this act.

Relevant Companies

None found.