S. 4053: To take certain land in the State of California into trust for the benefit of the Pechanga Band of Indians, and for other purposes.

The bill proposes to transfer approximately 860 acres of land in Riverside County, California, into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians. This trust status means that the land would be treated as part of the Tribe's reservation and would be managed according to laws governing properties held in trust by the United States for Indian Tribes.

Key Provisions

• Land Transfer: The bill explicitly takes the specified land into trust for the benefit of the Pechanga Tribe.
• Administration: The land will be added to the Tribe's existing reservation and will be administered under the relevant laws and regulations.
• Conditions on the Land:
  • The trust land will be subject to existing rights, such as any encumbrances, liens, or easements that are in place at the time the law is enacted.
  • The land is to be maintained as open space.
  • It can only be used for purposes that align with its maintenance as open space, including the protection of archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources.
• Construction and Utilities: While the land is to be preserved as open space, construction of utilities or structures will be allowed if they are consistent with the aim of protecting the land and its resources.
• Gaming Restrictions: The land cannot be used for class II or class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which implies that the Tribe cannot establish casinos on this land.
• Water Rights: The bill clarifies that it will not alter any existing water rights or service agreements related to the land.
• Public Access to Information: A map detailing the boundaries of the trust land will be kept on file and made available for public inspection through the Bureau of Land Management.

Definitions

The bill includes specific definitions such as:

• Covered Land: Refers to the approximately 860 acres of land designated for trust status.
• Map: Represents the official map that outlines the proposed land transfer.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of the Interior, the federal official involved in the administration of the trust.
• Tribe: Specifies that the bill pertains to the Pechanga Band of Indians.

Relevant Companies

None found.