Legislation that passed during the 113th Congress (2013-2014)
Title: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013
Sponsors: Rep Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5]
Committees: House Appropriations, House Budget
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-2 (PDF)
Summary: Sec. 1110 amends the Stafford Act to authorize Indian tribal governments to submit requests for major disaster or emergency declarations directly to the President.
Related News and Information: New law allows American Indian tribes to seek direct federal aid after natural disasters (Green Field Reporter) 1/31/13.
Title: Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act
Sponsors: Rep Bishop, Rob [R-UT-1]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-133 (PDF)
Summary: Authorizes Utah to relinquish for the benefit of the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation certain of its school trust or subsurface mineral lands south of the border between Grand County and Uintah County, Utah, in exchange for certain federal subsurface mineral lands north of that border.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reserve an overriding interest in that portion of the mineral estate composed of minerals subject to leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act in the mineral lands conveyed to Utah. Delineates the extent of that interest.
Requires Utah to reserve, for the benefit of its school trust, an overriding interest in that portion of the mineral estate composed of minerals subject to leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act in the mineral lands it relinquished to the federal government. Delineates the extent of that interest.
Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with Utah and the Tribe to facilitate the relinquishment and selection of the lands to be conveyed, and the administration of the overriding interests reserved, under this Act.
Title: Pascua Yaqui Tribe Trust Land Act
Sponsors: Rep. Grijalva, Raul M. [D-AZ-3]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-134 (PDF)
Summary: Holds in trust for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to approximately 10 acres of federal land generally depicted as parcel A, and approximately 10 acres of federal land generally depicted as parcel B, on the map titled "PYT Land Department," dated January 15, 2013.
Makes that conveyance effective on the day after the date on which: (1) the Tucson Unified School District relinquishes all right, title, and interest to the parcel B land; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior approves and records the lease agreement between the Tribe and the District for the construction and operation of a regional transportation facility located on the Tribe's restricted land.
Prohibits gaming on the lands held in trust under this Act.
Prohibits the forfeiture or abandonment of any water rights that are appurtenant to such lands.
Title: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Land Transfer Act
Sponsors: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]
Committees: House Energy and Commerce, House Natural Resources, Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law 113-68 (PDF)
Summary: Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convey by warranty deed to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) specified property in Anchorage, Alaska, for use in connection with health and related programs.
Requires the property to be conveyed without requiring any consideration from, or imposing any obligations, terms, or conditions on, the ANTHC.
Describes the property as Tract A-3A, Tudor Centre, according to plat number 2013-43, recorded on June 20, 2013 in Anchorage recording district, Alaska.
Absolves the ANTHC from liability for any environmental contamination or hazard on the property on or before the date on which the property was conveyed by quitclaim deed.
Related News and Information: Obama signs bill for Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (Indianz.com) 12/30/13. Senate Indian Affairs Committee passes three land measures (Indianz.com) 10/31/13. House passes Rep. Young bill to expand Alaska Native Healthcare Delivery (Alaska Business Montly) 10/30/13.
Title: Native American Veterans' Memorial Amendments Act of 2013
Sponsors: Rep. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK-2]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-70 (PDF)
Summary: Amends the Native American Veterans' Memorial Establishment Act of 1994 to authorize the construction of the National Native American Veterans' Memorial on the property under the jurisdiction of the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall. (Currently, its location is restricted to the interior structure of the Museum.)
Authorizes the Museum to participate in the selection of the Memorial's design, on more than a consultative basis, with the National Congress of American Indians.
Makes the Museum and the National Congress of American Indians responsible for accepting contributions for, and paying the expenses of, establishing the Memorial. (Currently, the National Congress of American Indians is solely responsible for those duties.)
Title: To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to take certain Federal lands located in El Dorado County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, and for other purposes.
Sponsors: Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-4]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-127 (PDF)
Summary: Takes specified federal land in El Dorado County, California, into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians.
Describes that land as the approximately 40.852 acres of federal land under the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) identified as "Conveyance boundary" on the map titled "Shingle Springs Land Conveyance/Draft" and dated June 7, 2012, including improvements and appurtenances thereto.
Prohibits class II and III gaming on such lands.
Title: Agricultural Act of 2014
Sponsors: Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3]
Committees: House Agriculture
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-79 (PDF)
Summary: Sec. 2508 amends the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 to make Indian tribes eligible to cooperate with and participate in the soil and water conservation program.
Sec. 2606 authorizes the Secretary to enter into alternative funding arrangements with Indian tribes in carrying out the CSP and the environmental quality incentives program.
Sec. 4004 authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the Indian reservation food distribution program. It directs the Secretary to determine the feasibility of tribal administration of federal food assistance programs in lieu of state or other administrating entities, and obligates specified FY2014 funds for such study. It also directs the Secretary to pilot a demonstration project by awarding a grant to one or more tribal organizations authorized to administer the food distribution program on Indian reservations to purchase traditional foods and foods produced locally by Indian producers for distribution to recipients of foods distributed under the Indian reservation food distribution program.
Sec. 4033 directs the Secretary and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to allow the donation to and serving of traditional food through food service programs at public facilities and nonprofit facilities (including facilities operated by Indian tribes and tribal organizations) that primarily serve Indians, if the operator of the food service program meets specified conditions. It exempts the United States, an Indian tribe, and a tribal organization from civil liability for any damage, injury, or death caused by the donation to or serving of traditional foods through food service programs.
Sec. 5402 amends the loan and loan guarantee program for Indian tribes and tribal corporations to purchase highly fractioned land within the reservation to permit loans to intermediaries to establish revolving loan funds for such purchases. Sec. 5403 limits to one the number of appraisals by the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior that borrowers who are Indian tribes, members of Indian tribes, or tribal corporations are required to obtain.
Sec. 6005 authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the federal share of developing specific Indian tribal college or university essential community facilities.
Sec. 6005 authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the federal share of developing specific Indian tribal college or university essential community facilities.
Sec. 6007 authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for water systems for rural or Native villages in Alaska.
Sec. 6012 authorizes the Secretary to make grants to governmental entities, Indian tribes, and nonprofit entities for: business opportunity projects that identify business opportunities, assist in the establishment of new rural businesses and the maintenance of existing businesses, conduct regional, community, and local economic development planning, and establish centers for training, technology, and trade; and projects that support the development of small and emerging private business enterprise, the establishment of rural distance learning networks, and the provision of technical assistance and training to improve rural transportation services or facilities.
Sec. 7107 authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for competitive education grants to Alaska Native-serving institutions and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions.
Sec. 7402 amends the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 to revise the list of "1994 Institutions" (specified tribally controlled community colleges and postsecondary vocational institutions, Bureau of Indian Affairs [BIA] postsecondary institutions, and the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts).
Sec. 8203 amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, with respect to the healthy forests reserve program, to: (1) define the meaning of acreage owned by Indian tribes, and (2) authorize appropriations through FY2018.
Title: Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Non-Intercourse Act of 2013.
Sponsors: Rep. Nolan, Richard M. [D-MN-8]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-88 (PDF)
Summary: Authorizes the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Minnesota to lease, sell, convey, warrant, or otherwise transfer all or any portion of its interest in any real property that is not held in trust by the United States for the Band's benefit.
Title: Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2013
Sponsors: Rep. Nunes, Devin [R-CA-22]
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-168 (PDF)
Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income, for income tax purposes, the value of an Indian general welfare benefit. Defines "Indian general welfare benefit" as any payment made or services provided to or on behalf of a member of an Indian tribe under an Indian tribal government program if: (1) such program is administered under specified guidelines and does not discriminate in favor of members of the governing body of the Indian tribe; and (2) the program benefits are available to any tribal member, are for the promotion of general welfare, are not lavish or extravagant, and are not compensation for services.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) establish a Tribal Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on the taxation of Indians, (2) establish and require training and education for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) field agents on federal Indian law and the implementation of this Act, and (3) suspend audits and examinations of Indian tribal governments and members of Indian tribes and waive any interest or tax penalties related to the exclusion from gross income of Indian general welfare benefits.
Related News and Information: Native Leaders Applaud Passage of Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act (Indian Country Today) 9/19/14. Rep. Daines praises House action on tribal general welfare bill (Indianz) 9/18/14. Tribal sovereignty supported in latest tax reform bill
(Indian Country Today) 8/16/13.
Title: Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014
Sponsors: Rep. Shuster, Bill [R-PA-9]
Committees: House Natural Resources, House Budget, House Transportation and Infrastructure, House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-121 (Text of Bill: pdf)
Summary: Sec. 1008 requires the Secretary to report to the congressional public works committees on activities for the development of hydroelectric power by a non-federal interest (defined generally by the WRDA of 2007 to include a state, local government, federally-recognized Indian tribe, and nonprofit entity).
Sec. 2105 authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to non-federal public entities, including Indian tribes, for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of channels, harbors, and related infrastructure associated with deep draft ports for purposes of dealing with Arctic development and security needs.
Sec. 5005 directs the EPA Administrator to: (1) conduct a review of the current allocation formula under CWA to determine whether such formula adequately addresses the water quality needs of eligible states, territories, and Indian tribes; and (2) report on such review to the congressional public works committees.
Sec. 5013 directs the EPA Administrator, for FY2015 and each fiscal year thereafter, to reserve not less than 0.5% and not more than 2% of available funds for revolving fund loans to Indian tribes under the CWA.
Sec. 5013 directs the EPA Administrator, for FY2015 and each fiscal year thereafter, to reserve not less than 0.5% and not more than 2% of available funds for revolving fund loans to Indian tribes under the CWA.
Title: Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act
Sponsors: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-142 (PDF)
Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow members of the Hoonah Indian Association to collect the eggs of glaucous-winged gulls up to two times a year at up to five locations within Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park.
Considers the collection of those eggs within the Park by the Association to be a use specifically permitted by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
Requires collection schedules and locations to be based on an annual plan prepared by the Secretary and the Association.
Title: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014
Sponsors: Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-121]
Committees: House Science, House Space and Technology
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-76 (PDF)
Summary: Sec. 121 amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 to require a certain reduction to any payment to a state or Indian tribe of 50% of a civil penalty collected by the federal government which results from certain oil and gas royalty management activities conducted by the state or Indian tribe pursuant to a cooperative agreement, or by the state under a delegation by the Secretary (or the Secretary's designee).It requires such a payment to be reduced by an amount equal to any payments provided or due under the agreement or delegation during the fiscal year in which the civil penalty is received, up to the total amount provided or due.
Sec. 205 directs the Bureau Commissioner to report quadrennially to the congressional appropriations committees on: (1) the status of efforts to facilitate and improve water transfers within the Central Valley Project, and water transfers between the Central Valley Project and other water projects in California; (2) an evaluation of potential effects of this Act upon federal programs, Indian tribes, Central Valley Project operations, the environment, groundwater aquifers, refuges, and communities; and (3) recommended ways to facilitate and improve the process for such transfers.
Sec. 216 authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary, for purposes of this title) to enter into agreements with certain Indian tribes and tribal organizations in rural Alaska to provide health care, including behavioral health and dental care.
Sec. 412 prohibits the use of any funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act to executive agencies to enter into a federal contract unless the contract is entered into in accordance with provisions and regulations relating to civilian and military contracts, except when: (1) federal law specifically authorizes a contract to be entered into without regard to such provisions and regulations, including formula grants for states or federally recognized Indian tribes; (2) such contract is authorized by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act or by any other federal laws that specifically authorize a contract within a tribe; or (3) the contract was awarded before this Act's enactment.
Sec. 424 bars the IHS, until October 1, 2018, from disbursing funds for the provision of health care services pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to any Alaska Native village or Alaska Native village corporation located within an area served by an Alaska Native regional health entity. Treats Eastern Aleutian Tribes Inc., the Council of Athabasan Tribal Governments, and the Native Village of Eyak as entities to which funds may be disbursed.
Sec. 8029 authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to Indian tribes located in Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington relocatable military housing units currently located at Grand Forks, Malmstrom, Mountain Home, Elllsworth, and Minot Air Force Bases that are excess to the needs of the Air Force. It requires the Operation Walking Shield Program to resolve any housing unit conflicts arising after such conveyance.
Title I: Department of the Interior makes appropriations for FY2014 to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for expenses related to carrying out, through the Multinational Species Conservation Fund, the African Elephant Conservation Act, the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000, and the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004; and (9) wildlife conservation grants to states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Indian tribes. It also makes appropriations for FY2014 to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Education (BIE) for operation of Indian programs (including transfer of funds), construction (including transfer of funds), Indian land and water claim settlements and miscellaneous payments to Indians, and for Indian guaranteed loans.
Title II: Environmental Protection Agency authorizes the EPA Administrator in carrying out EPA's function to implement directly federal environmental programs in the absence of an acceptable tribal program, to award cooperative agreements to federally recognized Indian tribes or intertribal consortia to assist the Administrator in implementing such programs, except that no such cooperative agreements may be awarded from funds designated for state financial assistance agreements.It also authorizes the EPA Administrator to use the amounts appropriated under the Nonpoint Source Management Program of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to make grants to federally recognized Indian tribes to implement a management program to control nonpoint source pollution. It also authorizes appropriations to state and tribal assistance grants for environmental programs and infrastructure assistance, including capitalization grants for the Clean Water State Revolving Funds and the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, activities in connection with the construction of high priority water and wastewater facilities in the area of the United States-Mexico Border, grants to Alaska to address drinking water and wastewater infrastructure needs of rural and Alaska native villages, brownfields revitalization funding, grants under the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Program, and grants under the Clean Air Act for particulate matter monitoring and data collection activities.
Title III: Related Agencies makes appropriations for FY2014 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Indian health facilities. It also makes appropriations for FY2014 in specified amounts for various purposes to the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation and the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development.
The Act authorizes appropriations for FY2014 to the Department of Education for Indian education, to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services for the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund, and to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program.
The Act authorizes appropriations for FY2014 to the Department of Housing and Urban Developmetn (HUD) for the Office of Public and Indian Housing. It requires that the funds made available for Native American Housing Block Grants in title III of this Act be allocated to the same recipients that received funds in FY2005.
Sponsors: Rep. Lujan Grisham, Michelle [D-NM-1]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-119 (PDF)
Summary: Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act - Amends the T'uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), at the request of the Sandia Pueblo of New Mexico and the Secretary of the Interior, to transfer certain National Forest land to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the Pueblo, if a land exchange with the Pueblo required by that Act is not completed within 30 days of this Act's enactment.
Identifies that land as National Forest land generally depicted as "Land to be Held in Trust" on the map entitled "Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act" and dated October 18, 2013.
Requires such National Forest land to remain undeveloped in its natural state.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the consent of the Pueblo and after the transfer of the National Forest land is complete, to: (1) transfer to the Secretary the Pueblo's La Luz tract and a conservation easement on its Piedra Lisa tract, and (2) grant to the Secretary a right-of-way for the Piedra Lisa Trail within the Piedra Lisa tract.
Title: Grand Portage Band Per Capita Adjustment Act
Sponsors: Rep. Nolan, Richard M. [D-MN-8]
Committees: House Natural Resources, House Ways and Means, House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-290 (PDF)
Summary: Excludes funds paid by Minnesota to members of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, pursuant to the agreements of such Band to voluntarily restrict tribal rights to hunt and fish in territory ceded under the Treaty of September 30, 1854, from: (1) federal or state income taxes; or (2) use in denying or reducing a member's benefits under the Social Security Act or, except for payments in excess of $2,000, a federal or federally-assisted program.
Title: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe - Fish Springs Ranch Settlement Act
Sponsors: Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-169 (PDF)
Summary: Authorizes the Tribe, in return for the benefits set forth in the Original Agreement, the Agreement, and this Act, to execute a waiver and release of all claims against the United States and Fish Springs.
Provides that the United States has no right or obligation to bring or assert, on behalf of the Tribe, the claims waived and released by the Tribe after Fish Springs makes the payment to the Tribe as provided in the Agreement.
Title: Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2014
Sponsors: Rep Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-4]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-223 (PDF)
Summary: Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Big Sandy River-Planet Ranch Water Rights Settlement Agreement between the Hualapai Tribe, the Department of of the Interior, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, the Arizona Department of Water Resources, and the Freeport Minerals Corporation.
Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Hualapai Tribe Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement Agreement between the Tribe, the United States as trustee for the Tribe, and Freeport Minerals Corporation.
Directs the Secretary of Interior to execute both agreements.
Sets forth provisions regarding the waiver, release, and retention of specified water rights claims.
Related News and Information:Senator Johnson introduces legislation to help adoptive parents in Indian Country receive adoption tax credit (Johnson Press Release) 7/9/14.
Title: May 31, 1918 Act Repeal Act
Sponsors: Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-262 (PDF)
Summary: Repeals the 1918 Act (authorizing the establishment of a town site on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho).
Grants the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation the exclusive right of first refusal to purchase at fair market value any land offered for sale within the Fort Hall Townsite.
Requires the United States to hold in trust for the benefit of the Tribes or a member of the Tribes, as applicable, any land owned or acquired by the Tribes or a member of the Tribes within the Fort Hall Townsite before, on, or after this Act's enactment.
Title: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013
Sponsors: Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-4 (PDF)
Summary: Sec. 102 amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the grant program to encourage governmental entities to implement policies, training programs, and best practices for recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of domestic violence and violent sex crimes. Requires such entities to use grant funds for: (1) training programs with respect to domestic violence and sexual assaults against women; (2) developing best practices for responding to domestic violence and sexual assault crimes; (3) developing, implementing, or enhancing sexual assault nurse examiner programs and Sexual Assault Response Teams; (4) providing human immunodeficiency virus testing programs; and (5) identifying and inventorying backlogs of sexual assault evidence collection kits. Requires not less than 25% of grant funding to be used for projects that address sexual assault. Authorizes appropriations for such grant program for FY2014-FY2018, and requires the allotment of not less than 5% of such funding for Indian tribal governments.
Sec. 201 amends VAWA to authorize appropriations for FY2014-FY2018 for grants to: (1) assist states, Indian tribes, and U.S. territories to establish, maintain, and expand rape crisis centers and other nongovernmental or tribal programs to assist victims of sexual assault; and (2) assist victims of domestic violence and other sexual assault crimes in rural areas.
Title IX covers safety for Indian Women. Sec. 901 amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include sex trafficking as a target of the grants to Indian tribal governments to combat violent crime against Indian women. Allows such grants to be used to: (1) address the needs of youth who are victims of, or exposed to, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or stalking; and (2) develop and promote best practices for responding to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking.
Sec. 902 allows tribal coalition grants to be used to develop and promote state, local, and tribal legislation and policies that enhance best practices for responding to violent crimes against Indian women. It requires the Attorney General to award such grants annually to each tribal coalition that meets certain criteria under VAWA, is recognized by the Office on Violence Against Women, and serves Indian tribes.It also requires that tribal coalition grants also be provided to organizations that propose to incorporate and operate a tribal coalition in areas where Indian tribes are located but no tribal coalition exists. Prohibits more than 10% of the tribal coalition grant funds appropriated for each of FY2014-FY2018 from being made available to such organizations.
Sec. 903 amends the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 to include the Secretary of the Interior, in addition to the Secretary of HHS and the Attorney General, as a participant in consultations with Indian tribes regarding the administration of tribal funds and programs, enhancement of Indian women's safety, and federal response to violent crimes against Indian women. Directs the Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress on recommendations made by Indian tribes during consultations.
Sec. 904 gives Indian tribes jurisdiction over domestic violence, dating violence, and violations of protective orders that occur on their lands. Makes that jurisdiction concurrent with federal and state jurisdiction. Requires Indian tribes prosecuting crimes of violence to: (1) prove that a defendant has requisite ties to the Indian tribe; (2) provide defendants the right to an impartial jury trial; and (3) notify defendants of their rights, including the right to file a writ of habeas corpus in federal court.It authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to Indian tribes to assist them in exercising such jurisdiction, providing indigent defendants with free legal counsel, and securing the rights of victims of domestic and dating violence crimes.It also authorizes appropriations for FY2014-FY2018 for such grant program, and to provide participating Indian tribes with training, technical assistance, data collection, and an evaluation of their criminal justice systems.
Sec. 905 grants courts of an Indian tribe full civil jurisdiction to issue and enforce protection orders in matters arising anywhere in the Indian country of the Indian tribe or otherwise within the authority of the tribe.
Sec. 906 amends the federal criminal code to include sexual abuse crimes under the 20-year criminal penalty for assault.It also imposes enhanced criminal penalties on individuals who: (1) commit an assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a spouse, intimate partner, or a dating partner who has not attained age 16; and (2) assault a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner by strangling, suffocating, or attempting to strangle or suffocate. It makes federal felony assault penalties and enhanced penalties for prior domestic violence or stalking offenses applicable to Indians and Indian tribes.
Sec. 907 amends the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 to require the National Institute of Justice to include women in Alaska Native Villages and sex trafficking in its study of violence against Indian women. Reauthorizes appropriations for the study for FY2014-FY2015.It also reauthorizes appropriations for the national tribal sex offender registry and the tribal protection order registry for FY2014-FY2018.
Sec. 908 makes Indian tribes' criminal jurisdiction over domestic violence, dating violence, and violations of protection orders that occur on their lands effective two years after this Act's enactment. Allows Indian tribes to exercise such jurisdiction prior to the two-year effective date under a pilot program.
Sec. 909 extends by one year the reporting deadline of the Indian Law and Order Commission.It also directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on whether the Alaska Rural Justice and Law Enforcement Commission should be continued.
Sec. 910 makes provisions of this Title relating to tribal jurisdiction over domestic violence crimes and the issuance and enforcement of protection orders applicable, in Alaska, only to the Indian country of the Metlakatla Indian Community, Annette Island Reserve. It orovides that the existing jurisdiction and authority of each Alaskan Indian tribe shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be limited or diminished by this Act. It also declares that nothing in this Act limits or diminishes the jurisdiction of the state of Alaska or any of its subdivisions or Indian tribes.
Related News and Information: Pascua Yaqui Tribe first to use VAWA to prosecute non-Indian (Indian Country Today) 6/9/17, Senator tries to repeal divisive provision she inserted in Violence Against Women Act (Washington Post) 8/2/14
New law offers protection to abused Native American women (Washington Post) 2/8/14.
Violence Against Women Act and Stafford Act amended to assist Indian Country- now the real work...implementation (BNA) 5/14/13.
President Obama Signs VAWA Reauthorization (FCNL) 3/13. Violence Against Women Act passed by House, sent to Obama for signature (Washington Post) 2/28/13.
Violence Against Women Act provision would close a gap in justice (North Kitsap Herald) 2/1/13, Congress recognizes and affirms tribal courts' special domestic violence jurisdiction over non-Indian residents (Harvard Law Review) 2014New law offers protection to abused Native American women (Washington Post) 2/8/14. Violence Against Women Act and Stafford Act amended to assist Indian Country- now the real work...implementation (BNA) 5/14/13. President Obama Signs VAWA Reauthorization (FCNL) 3/13. Violence Against Women Act passed by House, sent to Obama for signature (Washington Post) 2/28/13. Violence Against Women Act provision would close a gap in justice (North Kitsap Herald) 2/1/13.
Title: Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act
Sponsors: Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-119 (PDF)
Summary: Amends the T'uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), at the request of the Sandia Pueblo of New Mexico and the Secretary of the Interior, to transfer certain National Forest land to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the Pueblo, if a land exchange with the Pueblo required by that Act is not completed within 30 days of this Act's enactment.
Requires such National Forest land to remain undeveloped in its natural state.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with the consent of the Pueblo and after the transfer of the National Forest land is complete, to: (1) transfer to the Secretary the Pueblo's La Luz tract and a conservation easement on its Piedra Lisa tract, and (2) grant to the Secretary a right-of-way for the Piedra Lisa Trail within the Piedra Lisa tract.
Related News and Information: Senate Indian Affairs Committee passes three land measures (Indianz.com) 10/31/13.
Title: Alaska Safe Families and Villages Act of 2013
Sponsors: Sen. Begich, Mark [D-AK]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-275 (PDF)
Summary: Amends the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 to repeal a provision prohibiting Alaska tribes other than the Metlakatla Indian Community from issuing and enforcing domestic violence protective orders against non-member Alaska Natives and non-Natives.
Title: Gun Lake Trust Land Reaffirmation Act
Sponsors: Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs, House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-179 (Text of Bill: pdf)
Summary: Ratifies and confirms the actions of the Secretary of the Interior in taking specified land into trust for the benefit of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatami Indians.
Reaffirms that land as trust land.
Prohibits an action relating to that land from being filed or maintained in a federal court.
Related News and Information: Gun Lake Tribe draws in more allies as Supreme Court considers casino case (Indianz) 9/25/17, Gun Lake Trust Land Reaffirmation Act passed by Congress (Turtle Talk) 9/17/14.
Title: Blackfoot River Land Exchange Act of 2014
Sponsors: Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Committees: Senate Indian Affiars
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 113-232 (PDF)
Summary: Sec 4. extinguishes all claims and all right, title, and interest in specified Indian and non-Indian land as part of the settlement of disputes within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation of the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Tribes in Idaho resulting from the realignment of the Blackfoot River by the Corps of Engineers in 1964.
Sec. 5 requires the non-Indian land to be held in trust by the United States for the Tribes.
Sec. 6 directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer the Indian land to the Blackfoot River Flood Control District No. 7 for use or sale. Requires any proceeds from the sale of the land to be used to compensate: (1) each non-Indian landowner at fair market value for his or her loss of land resulting from this Act's implementation, and (2) the Blackfoot River Flood Control District No. 7 for any expenses it incurs in carrying out this Act.
The Act authorizes the Blackfoot River Flood Control District No. 7 to dispose of the land or proceeds that remain in any manner it determines to be appropriate.
Related News and Information: Crapo's Blackfoot River Land Settlement Act moves forward (Targeted News Service) 5/21/14.
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Proposed legislation that did not pass during the 113th Congress (2013-2014)
Business & Economics
S.477
Title: Tribal Gaming Eligibility Act
S.826
Title: Tobacco Tax and Enforcement Reform Act
S.954
Title: Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013
S.1477
Title: Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2013
S.1574
Title: Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2013
S.1607
Title: Native Small Business Conformity Act of 2013
S.2132
Title: Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2014
Related News Stories: CSKT testifies in support of amending the Tribal Energy Development Acts (Char-Koosta News) 5/24/14
H.R.1410
Title: Keep the Promise Act of 2013
H.R.1548
Title: Native American Energy Act
H.R.4699
Title: Indian Country Economic Revitalization Act of 2014
H.R.4867
Title: Economic Development Through Tribal Land Exchange Act
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Community Development
S.J.Res.12
Title: A joint resolution to consent to certain amendments enacted by the legislature of the State of Hawaii to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, Act, 1920.
H.R. 231
See also: S.640
Title: Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2013
H.R.1670
Title: Raising Employment in Affordable Communities and Homes Act of 2013
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Education
S.765
Title: Native American Indian Education Act
S.1129
See also: H.R.2334
Title: STEM 2 Act ("To assist coordination among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics efforts in the States, to strengthen the capacity of elementary schools, middle schools, and secondary schools to prepare students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and for other purposes.")
S.1131
See also: H.R.2367
Title: Building upon Unique Indian Learning and Development Act
S.1948
See also: H.R.4214
Title: Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act
S.1998?
Title:Native Adult Education and Literacy Act of 2014
S.2458?- Updated 8/21/14
See also: H.R.5370
Title:?American Indian Teacher Loan Forgiveness Act of 2014
H.R.1041
Title: PRE-K Act
H.R.1658
Title: Native American Indian Education Act
H.R.1948
Title: To promote the academic achievement of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children with the establishment of a Native American language grant program
H.R.2069
Title: To amend the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to waive certain eligibility requirements.
H.R.2662
Title: Family Engagement in Education Act of 2013
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Federal Indian Relations
S.Res.304
Title: A resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the date of the restoration by the Federal Government of Federal recognition to the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, November 22, 1983.
S.385
Title: A bill to deem the submission of certain claims to an Indian Health Service contracting officer as timely.
H.R.5171 - Updated 9/18/14
Title: Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
Related News Stories: Federal spending in Indian country: Interior appropriations (Friends Committee on National Legislation) 8/29/14
S.919
Title: Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2013
S.920
Title: Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Non-Intercourse Act of 2013
S.2041- Updated 8/28/14
See also: H.R.5050
Title: May 31, 1918 Act Repeal Act
H.R.279
See also: S.2188
Title: To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes, and for other purposes.
H.R.409
Title: Indian Trust Asset Reform Act
Related News Stories: Cd'A Tribe testifies on trust reform (CDAPress.com) May 9, 2014
H.R.666
Title: To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes.
H.R.1600
Title: Requirements, Expectations, and Standard Procedures for Executive Consultation with Tribes Act
H.R.1894
Title: To establish an Office of Tribal Relations in the Department of Agriculture.
H.R.2332
Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to recognize Indian tribal governments for purposes of determining under the adoption credit whether a child has special needs.
Related News Stories: Kilmer Sponsors bill to provide equal treatment for special needs Native American children (Derek Kilmer) 6/13/13
H.R.4546
Title: Department of the Interior - Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2014
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Health & Welfare
S.47
Became Public Law 113-4 (PDF)
Title: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013
Related News Stories: Senator tries to repeal divisive provision she inserted in Violence Against Women Act (Washington Post) 8/2/14 New law offers protection to abused Native American women (Washington Post) 2/8/14. Violence Against Women Act and Stafford Act amended to assist Indian Country- now the real work...implementation (BNA) 5/14/13. President Obama Signs VAWA Reauthorization (FCNL) 3/13. Violence Against Women Act passed by House, sent to Obama for signature (Washington Post) 2/28/13. Violence Against Women Act provision would close a gap in justice (North Kitsap Herald) 2/1/13, Congress recognizes and affirms tribal courts' special domestic violence jurisdiction over non-Indian residents?(Harvard Law Review) 2014New law offers protection to abused Native American women (Washington Post) 2/8/14. Violence Against Women Act and Stafford Act amended to assist Indian Country- now the real work...implementation (BNA) 5/14/13. President Obama Signs VAWA Reauthorization (FCNL) 3/13. Violence Against Women Act passed by House, sent to Obama for signature (Washington Post) 2/28/13. Violence Against Women Act provision would close a gap in justice (North Kitsap Herald) 2/1/13.
S. 235
Title: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Land Transfer Act
Related News Stories: Senate Indian Affairs Committee passes three land measures (Indianz.com) 10/31/13.Murkowski-sponsored bill aims to protect Native American children (Anchorage Daily News) 10/30/13.
S.910
Title: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Indian tribes to receive charitable contributions of apparently wholesome food.
S. 1352
See also: H.R.4329
Title: Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2013
Related News Stories: Indian housing bill up for renewal (Friends Committee on National Legislation) 8/29/14.
S. 1507
Title: Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2013
S.1570
Title: Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations Act of 2013.
S.1622
Title: A bill to establish the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, and for other purposes.?
Related News Stories:?Murkowski-sponsored bill aims to protect Native American children (Anchorage Daily News) 10/30/13. Senate to vote on Indian children's commission (Grand Forks Herald) 5/22/14.
S.2160
See also: H.R.4534
Title: Native American Children's Safety Act
S. 2570
Title: Tribal Adoption Parity Act
H.J.Res.80
Title: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, and Indian Health Service Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014.
H.R.1599
Title: Native American Suicide Prevention Act of 2013
H.R.1836
Title: Protect our Native Women Act of 2013
H.R.1947
Title: Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013
Relevant section: SEC. 4004. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.
H.R.2037
Title: Native American Psychiatric and Mental Health Care Improvement Act
H.R.2216
Title: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014
H.R.3102
Title: Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013
H.R.3229
Title: Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations Act of 2013
H.R. 3782?
Title:?Native American Seeds Protection Act of 2013
Related News Stories: Legislation to protect Native American seeds introduced in House (Friends Committee on National Legislation) 2/3/14
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Lands & Natural Resources
S.222
Title: A bill to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to clarify that uncertified States and Indian tribes have the authority to use certain payments for certain noncoal reclamation projects and acid mine remediation programs.
S.340
Title: Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act
S.402
Title: A bill to provide for the addition of certain real property to the reservation of the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon.
S.601
Title: Water Resources Development Act of 2013
Related News Stories: U.S. Senate passes Water Resources Development Act (Journal of Commerce) 5/15/13.
S.684
Title: Mni Wiconi Project Act Amendments of 2013
S.715
Title: Authorized Rural Water Projects Completion Act
S.736
Title: Alaska Subsistence Structure Protection Act of 2013
S.1219
Title: Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indian Water Rights Settlement Act
S.1447
Title: New Mexico Native American Water Settlements Technical Corrections Act
S.1448
Title: Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation act
S.1818
See also: H.R.3716
Title: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe - Fish Springs Ranch Settlement Act
S.2387
Title: A bill to amend the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to contract with eligible Indian tribes to manage land buy-back programs, to require that certain amounts...
S.2465
Title: Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act
S.2479
See also: H.R. 4890
Title: Moapa Band of Paiutes Land Conveyance Act
Related News Stories: Reid Introduces Nevada Native Nations Land Act and Moapa Band of Paiutes Land Conveyance Act (Press Release) 6/17/14
Senate advances Moapa Paiute reservation expansion (Las Vegas Review-Journal) 7/30/14
S.2480
See also: H.R. 2455
Title: Nevada Native Nations Land Act
S.2503
See also: H.R. 4924
Title: Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2014
Related New Stories: Senator Johnson introduces legislation to help adoptive parents in Indian Country receive adoption tax credit (Johnson Press Release) 7/9/14
H.R.488
Title: To amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to clarify that uncertified States and Indian tribes have the authority to use certain payments for certain noncoal reclamation projects.
H.R.687
Title: Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2013
Related News Stories: House pulls southeast Arizona land exchange (Friends Committee on National Legislation) 2/3/14. House bill proposes to sell national forest land to copper mining firm (FCNL) 10/4/13.
H.R.740
Title: Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act
H.R.841
Title: To amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to make technical corrections, and for other purposes.
H.R.931
Title: To provide for the addition of certain real property to the reservation of the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon.
H.R.1306
Title: Southeast Alaska Native Land Conveyance Act
H.R.1377
Title: Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act
Related News Stories: Pearce Introduces Legislation For Mescalero Tribe Water Rights (BNA) 3/25/13 .
H.R.1548
Title: Native American Energy Act
H.R.2455
See also: S. 2480
Title: Nevada Native Nations Land Act
H.R.2718
Title: American Indian Empowerment Act of 2013
H.R. 3068
See also: H.RES.335
Title: Relating to members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan
H.R.3313
Title: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2013
H.R. 3564
Title: New Mexico Native American Water Settlements Technical Correction Act
H.R.3822
Title: Fort Wingate Land Division Act of 2014
H.R. 4018?
Title:?Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act
H.R.4694
Title: To amend the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to contract with eligible Indian tribes to manage land buy-back programs, to require that certain amounts be...
H.R.5020- Added 8/28/14
Title: Indian Tribal Self-Determination in Land Consolidation Act of 2014
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Tribal Recognition
S.161
See also: H.R.2991
Title: Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2013
Related News Stories: Tester statement on rule affecting Little Shell recognition (U.S. Senate) 5/28/14. Senate Indian Affairs Committee to hear three recognition bills (Indianz.com) 10/22/13
S.1074
Title: Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2013
Related News Stories: Senate Indian Affairs Committee to hear three recognition bills (Indianz.com) 10/22/13
S.1132
Title: Lumbee Recognition Act
Related News Stories: Senate Indian Affairs Committee to hear three recognition bills (Indianz.com) 10/22/13
S.2442
See also: H.R.4350
Title: Northern Cheyenne Lands Act
H.R.1103
Title: To ammend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide that Alexander Creek, Alaska, is and shall be recognized as an eligible Native village under the Act, and for other purposes
H.R.1680
Title: Tohono O'odham Citizenship Act of 2013
H.R.2442
Title: Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act
H.R.4002
Title: To revoke the charter of incorporation of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma at the request of that tribe, and for other purposes
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General Native American Affairs
S.Res.239
Title: An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
S.Res.305
Title: A resolution recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
Related News Stories: Senate passes resolution honoring Native American Heritage Month (Indian Country Today) 11/25/13
S.Res.463
Title: A resolution honoring the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Billy Frank, Jr., and expressing condolences on his passing.
S.1046
Title: Native American Veterans' Memorial Amendments Act of 2013
S.2299
Title: A bill to amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to reauthorize a provision to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native American languages.
Related News Stories: Moving toward a Senate vote on Native languages (Friends Committee on National Legislation) 8/29/14
H.Con.Res.63
Title: Honoring the service of Native American Indians in the United States Armed Forces
H.R.1278
Title: Non-Disparagement of Native American Persons or Peoples in Trademark Registration Act of 2013
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