S. 2871: Pit River Land Transfer Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Pit River Land Transfer Act of 2025, aims to transfer certain federal land in California into trust for the benefit of the Pit River Tribe. Here is a breakdown of its main features:

Land Transfer

The bill transfers administrative jurisdiction over a specific area of federal land, referred to as the "Four Corners Federal land," from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of the Interior.

Land in Trust for the Tribe

The bill stipulates that the Four Corners Federal land, approximately 583.79 acres, will be taken into trust for the Pit River Tribe, meaning the land will be held by the federal government for the tribe's benefit. This is intended to enhance the autonomy and rights of the tribe over this land.

Survey Requirement

After the bill is enacted, the Secretary of the Interior is required to conduct a complete survey of the Four Corners Federal land within 180 days.

Administration of the Land

Once the land is taken into trust, it will:

• Be considered part of the Pit River Tribe's reservation.
• Be administered according to laws and regulations that apply to property held in trust for Indian tribes.

Restrictions on Use

The bill prohibits the use of this land for any type of class II or class III gaming as defined under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This means that the tribe will not be allowed to operate casinos or similar gaming establishments on this land.

Definitions of Terms

The bill provides specific definitions for critical terms:

• Four Corners Federal land: Refers to the land being transferred, excluding certain roads and public rights-of-way.
• Map: The proposal includes a specific map detailing the land boundaries and conditions.
• Secretary: Indicates the Secretary of the Interior, the official responsible for managing the trust land.
• Tribe: Identifies the Pit River Tribe and includes its various rancherias such as XL Ranch and Big Bend.

Impact and Implementation

This act is a significant step towards recognizing the rights of the Pit River Tribe over specific parcels of federal land, aiming to provide them with greater control and management over these resources. The prohibition against gaming on this land aligns with specific legislative intentions for the tribe's development efforts, focusing on non-gaming economic opportunities.

Relevant Companies

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