Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025

Summary of HR 2302: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025 (HR 2302) aims to take specific federal lands in California into trust for the benefit of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. This legislation seeks to enhance the tribe's land holdings and address historical land access issues, thereby supporting their self-determination and community development.

Key Provisions

1. Revocation of Public Land Order:

   • The bill revokes Public Land Order 3309, which has governed the land since January 17, 1964, transferring jurisdiction over the specified lands to the Secretary of the Interior.

2. Trust Transfer:

   • The Secretary is required to place approximately 80 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and 185 acres of fee simple land into trust for the tribe within 180 days of enactment.

3. Land Administration:

   • The newly acquired lands will be considered part of the tribe's reservation and managed according to laws applicable to trust lands for Indian tribes.

4. Gaming Prohibition:

   • The lands taken into trust under this act will not be eligible for any class II or class III gaming as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

5. Review and Survey:

   • The Secretary must conduct a review to determine if a land survey is necessary before the trust transfer. If required, a survey will be performed, and any clerical or surveying errors may be corrected.

Affected Parties

• Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation, which aims to improve their land access and management capabilities.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM): The agency responsible for the management of the lands being transferred.
• Surrounding Communities: Local residents and landowners may be affected by the changes in land management and potential improvements in wildfire management.

Background and Need for Legislation

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians has faced significant challenges regarding land access since the 1960s, particularly due to the construction of Highway 50, which severed legal access to their original Verona Tract. Despite previous efforts to secure land through administrative processes, the tribe has struggled to acquire land necessary for housing and community development. This bill represents a legislative solution to facilitate the transfer of land into trust, allowing the tribe to manage it effectively and address ongoing community needs.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: March 24, 2025
• Reported (Amended): September 15, 2025
• Placed on Union Calendar: September 15, 2025
• Committee Actions: The bill has undergone several committee reviews and hearings, with unanimous consent for reporting on July 23, 2025.

Conclusion

HR 2302 is a significant step toward restoring land rights for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, addressing historical injustices, and providing the tribe with the necessary tools to manage their land effectively. The bill reflects a commitment to tribal sovereignty and the importance of land in supporting the tribe's cultural and economic future.