H.R. 5327: Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act

This bill is titled the "Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act" and aims to grant federal recognition to the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:

1. Federal Recognition

The bill extends federal recognition to the Nottoway Indian Tribe. This means that the Tribe will be officially recognized by the federal government as a governmental entity, which grants it access to certain federal benefits and services typically available to recognized tribes.

2. Applicability of Laws

Once recognized, the Tribe and its members will be subject to various federal laws applicable to Native American tribes, ensuring they are treated under the same legal framework as other federally recognized tribes.

3. Services and Benefits

The Tribe and its members will be eligible for all federal services and benefits provided to recognized Indian tribes. This eligibility is applicable regardless of whether the Tribe has a designated reservation.

4. Membership and Governing Documents

The membership roll and governing documents of the Tribe will consist of the documents and rolls submitted by the Tribe to the Secretary of the Interior prior to the enactment of this bill.

5. Governing Body

The governing body of the Tribe will be the existing governing body at the time of the bill’s enactment or any future governing body elected according to the Tribe’s governing documents.

6. Reservation of the Tribe

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to take land into trust for the Tribe's benefit upon request. This land can be considered part of the Tribe's reservation, thus facilitating the Tribe's governance over these lands.

7. Gaming

The bill specifies that the Tribe is not allowed to conduct gaming activities as a matter of inherent authority or under any federal gaming laws. This means the Tribe cannot establish casinos or similar gaming operations without specific authorization.

8. Rights to Resources

Any existing rights regarding hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water are not affected by this bill, ensuring the Tribe's practices may continue as they have historically.

9. Indian Child Welfare Act Compliance

The bill does not alter the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, which focuses on the custody of Indian children ensuring protections for Indian family structures.

Relevant Companies

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