SB 673, the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act, would amend the Miccosukee Reserved Area Act to expand the federally recognized Miccosukee Reserved Area in Everglades National Park. Specifically, it adds the portion of the park known as Osceola Camp to the Miccosukee Reserved Area, using a referenced map to define the added land and requiring that copies of the map be maintained for public inspection and filed with Miami-Dade County and the Tribe.
The bill also directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Miccosukee Tribe, to take appropriate actions within two years to protect structures in Osceola Camp from flooding. In practical terms, the measure authorizes federal action tied to land management, flood mitigation, and preservation of existing structures in the expanded area.
Impact
The bill would amend federal law governing the Miccosukee Reserved Area, specifically section 4 and section 8 of the Miccosukee Reserved Area Act (Public Law 105-313, codified in a note to 16 U.S.C. 410). It would enlarge the statutory definition of the Miccosukee Reserved Area to include Osceola Camp and impose a new federal responsibility to address flood protection for structures there. The affected parties include the Miccosukee Tribe, the National Park Service, the Secretary responsible for implementation, and Miami-Dade County through the map-filing requirement.
Sentiment
Available legislative history suggests a generally favorable and noncontroversial posture. The bill was introduced by Senator Scott of Florida with Senator Moody, referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and later reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. There are no recorded votes or committee transcripts in the provided materials, which suggests the measure moved forward with little visible opposition in the available record.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas that could matter in implementation include the scope of the land expansion into Everglades National Park, the details of flood-protection measures, and coordination between the federal government and the Miccosukee Tribe. However, the bill text and legislative record supplied here do not show any stated objections or competing positions.