S. 1750: Poarch Band of Creek Indians Parity Act

This bill is known as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Parity Act. It aims to clarify the legal status and recognition of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians regarding federal jurisdiction and trust lands. Here are the key components of the bill:

Reaffirmation of Federal Jurisdiction

The bill states that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians is acknowledged to be "now under Federal jurisdiction" as of June 18, 1934. This date is significant because it refers to the time when the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) was enacted, which aimed to reverse the previous policy of assimilation and to restore self-governance to Native tribes.

Trust Lands

All lands that have been taken into trust by the United States for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians before the enactment of this bill will be reaffirmed as trust lands. This means that the federal government maintains authority over these lands, which are specifically designated to benefit the tribe. Additionally, the actions taken by the Secretary of the Interior in establishing these lands as trust lands under the Indian Reorganization Act are officially ratified and confirmed.

Purpose of the Bill

The main purpose of this bill is to ensure that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians is recognized under the same legal framework as other tribes that were established under the Indian Reorganization Act. This legal recognition can provide the tribe with certain benefits and authority that are available to federally recognized tribes.

Implications

This legislation aims to address and possibly rectify any previous ambiguities regarding the legal status of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. By affirming their federal jurisdiction status and trust lands, the bill seeks to strengthen the tribe's sovereignty and support its governance and economic initiatives.

Relevant Companies

• FLNT - Flanigans Enterprises, which might have business interactions with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians due to their operations in areas that intersect with the tribe's land.
• ISLE - Isle of Capri Casinos, which could be impacted if the Indian Reorganization Act provisions relating to gaming were invoked subsequently, affecting the economic activities of the tribe.