US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB910

Introduced
3/22/23  
Refer
3/22/23  

Caption

A bill to amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act, and for other purposes.

Impact

The amendment modifies existing oversight and eligibility rules associated with real estate acquired by federally recognized tribes, specifically in Oregon. The bill aims to prevent the use of specified lands for gaming purposes, effectively narrowing the scope of gaming rights for the Grand Ronde Tribes. By doing so, it emphasizes the preservation of treaty rights for the tribes while clarifying their limitations in relation to new land acquisitions linked to past settlements, which could influence tribal revenue streams based on gaming.

Summary

SB910 seeks to amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act, focusing primarily on the gaming eligibility of properties acquired by tribes through approved land claim settlements. Specifically, the bill stipulates that no properties designated as part of these settlements will be eligible for class II or class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This measure is intended to clarify the status of certain lands concerning gaming operations which has been a contentious issue for the tribes around these claims.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding SB910 reflect a cautious approach to balancing state interests and tribal treaty rights. Supporters of the bill believe that it helps maintain clarity and limits potential legal disputes regarding land use and gaming rights. However, there are opponents who see it as a potential curb on tribal sovereignty and economic opportunities, arguing that it could impede the tribes' ability to use newly acquired lands for revenue-generating activities.

Contention

The primary point of contention revolves around the implications of prohibiting gaming on lands secured through federal land settlements. Opponents worry that the bill could limit the economic potential of the tribes, especially in a region where gaming has become a significant source of revenue. This has raised debates regarding the lack of consultation with affected tribal leaders and the broader implications for tribal economic development in Oregon, alongside challenges to existing treaty rights.

Companion Bills

US HB1722

Related Grand Ronde Reservation Act Amendment of 2023

Previously Filed As

US SB643

A bill to amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to address the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community, and for other purposes.

US HB1499

To amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to address the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community, and for other purposes.

US SB236

A bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.

US SB4053

A bill to take certain land in the State of California into trust for the benefit of the Pechanga Band of Indians, and for other purposes.

US SB612

A bill to amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.

US SB1897

A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team grant program, and for other purposes.

US SB934

American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2025 Community Reinvestment Reform Act of 2025

US SB748

A bill to reaffirm the applicability of the Indian Reorganization Act to the Lytton Rancheria of California, and for other purposes.

US HB3956

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025

US HB5682

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.