Bill > S107

This bill amends the Lumbee Act of 1956 to provide full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, granting them comprehensive rights and benefits typically afforded to federally recognized Native American tribes. The legislation extends federal recognition to the Tribe, making its members eligible for all federal services and benefits available to Indian tribes, and establishes that tribal members residing in specific North Carolina counties (Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland) will be considered as residing on or near an Indian reservation. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the Tribe and establishes a process for verifying the tribal roll, which will be limited to confirming documentary proof of membership according to the Tribe's 2001 constitution. Additionally, the bill specifies that North Carolina will maintain jurisdiction over criminal offenses and civil actions on Lumbee tribal lands, with a potential mechanism for future jurisdiction transfer through agreement between the Tribe and the state. The legislation also provides a pathway for other groups of Indians in the region to potentially seek tribal acknowledgment, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recognizing the Lumbee Tribe's status and rights.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/107/all-info