Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025
Summary
The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025 aims to transfer approximately 265 acres of federal land in California into trust for the benefit of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. This involves revoking Public Land Order 3309 and transferring jurisdiction to the Secretary of the Interior. The land will become part of the Tribe's reservation and be administered accordingly, but it cannot be used for gaming purposes.
Expected Effects
The Act will expand the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians' reservation by placing the specified land into trust. This gives the tribe more control over the land and its resources. The prohibition on gaming aims to prevent potential social and economic issues associated with casinos.
Potential Benefits
- Tribal Sovereignty: Enhances the tribe's self-governance and control over their land.
- Economic Development: Provides potential opportunities for economic development, excluding gaming.
- Cultural Preservation: Allows for the preservation of cultural and historical sites on the land.
- Resource Management: Enables the tribe to manage natural resources on the land for their benefit.
- Community Development: Supports community development initiatives within the reservation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of Federal Control: Reduces federal control over the land, potentially impacting broader public interests.
- Limited Land Use: Restricts the use of the land by prohibiting gaming activities.
- Potential for Disputes: Could lead to disputes with neighboring landowners or other tribes.
- Administrative Burden: Places an administrative burden on the Secretary of the Interior to manage the land in trust.
- Environmental Concerns: Potential environmental impacts from tribal development activities.
Constitutional Alignment
This Act aligns with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, as recognized in numerous Supreme Court cases and treaties. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Indian Commerce Clause) grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes, which implicitly includes the power to manage tribal lands and affairs. The transfer of land into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians is consistent with this constitutional authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).