Bill > SB1011

This bill establishes a process for federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon to request retrocession (return) of Public Law 280 (P.L. 280) jurisdiction, which currently grants the state certain legal authorities over tribal criminal and civil matters. The bill allows a tribe's governing body to submit a resolution to the Governor requesting full or partial retrocession of these jurisdictional powers. Upon receiving such a request, the Governor must acknowledge receipt within 10 days, convene a meeting with tribal representatives within 90 days to discuss the request's implications, and then decide whether to accept or deny the request within 180 days. If accepted, the Governor must petition the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to formally transfer jurisdiction back to the tribe. The bill explicitly states that retrocession would not diminish the tribe's sovereignty and that the tribe would retain the right to govern its territory and population according to its own laws and traditions. The bill is declared an emergency measure, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage, reflecting its importance for public peace, health, and safety.