H.R. 619: Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation Federal Recognition Act

This bill, known as the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation Federal Recognition Act, aims to grant federal recognition to the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation, a Native American tribe located in California. Below are the major components of the legislation:

Federal Recognition

The bill formally extends federal recognition to the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation. This means that the tribe will be acknowledged as a legitimate entity by the federal government, which qualifies them for certain rights and benefits.

Definitions

Key terms defined in the bill include:

• Governing Document: Refers to the Constitution of the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation, as revised and adopted in 2020.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of the Interior, the federal official responsible for managing affairs related to tribal nations.
• Tribal Member: An individual recognized as a member of the tribe as of the date the bill is enacted or someone added to the membership rolls under the bill's provisions.
• Tribe: Refers specifically to the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation.

Eligibility for Federal Services

Once the bill is enacted, both the tribe and its members will be eligible for all federal services and benefits provided to recognized Indian tribes. This eligibility is not dependent on whether the tribe has a formal reservation or where members reside.

For the purpose of federal service delivery, the designated service area for the tribe will be Trinity County, California.

Tribal Membership

To maintain recognition and receive federal benefits, the tribe must submit a membership roll to the Secretary of the Interior within 18 months of the bill's enactment. This roll will include the names of all enrolled tribal members, and the qualifications for membership will be governed by the tribe's own constitution.

The tribe will also maintain the authority to manage its membership rolls according to its governing document.

Governing Body

The governing body of the tribe will be determined by the existing governing structure as defined in the tribe's constitution at the time of the bill's enactment or by any future governing body established through the required electoral procedures in their governing document.

Treaty Rights

The bill explicitly states that it does not expand or diminish any existing treaty rights or reserved rights of the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation.

Relevant Companies

None found.