Summary of HR 504: Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HR 504
• Title: Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act
• Status: Received in the Senate
• Introduced: January 16, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose of the Legislation

The Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act aims to amend the existing Miccosukee Reserved Area Act. The primary objectives are to:
- Authorize the expansion of the Miccosukee Reserved Area to include the Osceola Camp, a tribal village.
- Direct the Secretary of the Interior to consult with the Miccosukee Tribe and implement measures to protect the village's structures from flooding.

Key Provisions

1. Expansion of the Reserved Area:

   • The bill adds the Osceola Camp to the Miccosukee Reserved Area, thereby granting the tribe authority over this residential community.

2. Flood Protection Measures:

   • The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with consulting the Miccosukee Tribe to develop and execute strategies aimed at safeguarding the Osceola Camp from flooding, which is a significant concern due to ongoing environmental changes and restoration projects in the Everglades.

Background and Need for Legislation

• The Miccosukee Tribe has historical ties to the Greater Everglades region in southern Florida, with their ancestors having lived in the area for centuries.
• The tribe was federally recognized in 1962, and the Miccosukee Reserved Area Act was enacted in 1998 to formalize their occupancy in the Everglades.
• The Osceola Camp, which is not currently included in the Miccosukee Reserved Area, is crucial for the tribe as it represents one of the last inhabited tree islands in the Everglades.
• The area is currently under a special use permit from the National Park Service, which is working with the tribe to address flooding issues.

Impact of the Bill

• Tribal Members: The bill will directly benefit the Miccosukee Tribe by providing them with greater control over the Osceola Camp and ensuring the protection of their homes and infrastructure.
• Environmental Management: By incorporating the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area, the tribe can collaborate more effectively with federal agencies on flood management and environmental restoration efforts.

Legislative Process

• Introduced: January 16, 2025
• Committee Actions:
  • Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • A hearing was held by the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs on February 5, 2025.
  • The bill was reported favorably by the Committee on Natural Resources on June 25, 2025.
• House Vote: The bill passed the House on July 14, 2025, by voice vote.
• Current Status: The bill has been received in the Senate for further consideration.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL)
• Cosponsors: Maria Elvira Salazar, Mario Diaz-Balart, Darren Soto

Related Legislation

• Companion Bill: S 673

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of HR 504, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the impact it aims to achieve for the Miccosukee Tribe and the Osceola Camp.