Summary:
Native American Languages Reauthorization Act of 2015

 Amends the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to reauthorize through FY2020 and revise a grant program administered by the Administration for Native Americans at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native American languages.

Decreases the required minimum number of enrollees in educational programs funded by the grant program from:

 10 to 5 enrollees in Native American language nests, and 15 to 10 enrollees in the Native American language survival schools. Changes the duration of grants provided under the program.

amends native american programs act reauthorize fy2020 revise grant program administered department_of_health_and_human_services hhs ensure survival continuing vitality native american languages decreases required minimum number enrollees educational programs funded grant program enrollees native american language enrollees native american language survival schools changes duration grants provided program


Summary:
Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act

 Extends federal recognition to the Duwamish Tribe.

Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes without regard to the existence of a reservation for the Tribe or the location of the residence of any member on or near any Indian reservation. Defines the Tribe's service area for purposes of the delivery of federal services.

Requires the Tribe to submit to the Department of the Interior a membership roll of all individuals enrolled in the Tribe.

Requires the Tribe to conduct an election by secret ballot to adopt a constitution and bylaws for the Tribe. Requires the Tribe to elect a governing body in accordance with the procedures set forth in its constitution and bylaws.

Requires Interior to take Tribe service area or aboriginal lands into trust for the benefit of the Tribe if the Tribe transfers all interest in and to the land to Interior within ten years. Requires Interior and the Department of Agriculture to identify those lands which shall be considered the aboriginal homelands of the Tribe.

duwamish tribal recognition act extends federal recognition duwamish tribe makes tribe members eligible services benefits provided federal government federally recognized tribes regard existence reservation tribe location residence member near indian reservation defines tribe service area purposes delivery federal services requires tribe submit department_of_the_interior membership roll individuals enrolled tribe requires tribe conduct election secret ballot adopt constitution bylaws tribe requires tribe elect governing body accordance procedures set forth constitution bylaws requires interior tribe service area aboriginal lands trust benefit tribe tribe transfers interest land interior years department_of_agriculture identify lands shall considered aboriginal homelands tribe


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on October 27, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) This bill takes into trust for the benefit of the Susanville Indian Rancheria approximately 301 acres of federal land under the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management in Lassen County, California.

Certain gaming on these lands is prohibited.

measure amended reported house october summary version repeated sec bill takes trust benefit approximately acres federal land administrative jurisdiction bureau_of_land_management california certain gaming lands prohibited


Summary:
Point Spencer Land Conveyance Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to convey the surface and subsurface estates of Tracts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 as identified on the map titled "Point Spencer Land Retention and Conveyance Map," dated January 2015, to the Bering Straits Native Corporation and tract 6 surface and subsurface estates to Alaska in accordance with specified terms.

The Port Coordination Advisory Council for the Port of Point Spencer is established.

point spencer land conveyance act bill directs department_of_the_interior convey surface subsurface estates tracts identified map titled point spencer land retention conveyance map dated january bering_straits_native_corporation tract surface subsurface estates alaska accordance specified terms port point spencer established


Summary:
Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act

Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to permit the Native residents of each of the Native Villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell, Alaska, to organize as Urban Corporations and to receive certain settlement land pursuant to this Act.

Authorizes those Urban Corporations to establish a settlement trust to promote the health, education, and welfare of the trust beneficiaries, and preserve the Native heritage and culture of their communities.

unrecognized southeast alaska native communities recognition compensation act amends alaska native claims settlement act permit native residents native_villages_of_haines ketchikan petersburg tenakee organize urban_corporations receive certain settlement land pursuant act authorizes urban corporations establish settlement trust promote health education welfare trust beneficiaries preserve native heritage culture communities


Summary:
Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act

 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to declare that any allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, that was closed by Interior pursuant to the civil action Shields v. United States shall be reopened and considered to be approved.

(Sec. 3) The bill revises the eligibility of Alaska Native Vietnam veterans for an allotment. Eligibility for allotments is extended to veterans who served between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975.

Eligible persons may file for allotments of up to two parcels of federal land (as under current law) totaling up to 160 acres.

The bill eliminates the limitation of these allotments to lands that were vacant, unappropriated, and unreserved on the date when the person eligible for the allotment first used and occupied them.

Allotments may be selected from vacant federal lands or lands that have been selected by or conveyed to the state of Alaska or a Native corporation, if the state or corporation voluntarily relinquishes or conveys the land to the United States for allotment.

The lands excluded from allotment are revised to: (1) lands in the right-of-way of the TransAlaska Pipeline; (2) the inner or outer corridor of such a right-of-way; or (3) a unit of the National Park System, a National Preserve, or a National Monument.

 The heir of a deceased eligible veteran, regardless of the cause of death, may apply for and receive an allotment.

Persons who made an allotment selection under ANCSA and were not conveyed the allotment before enactment of this bill may reselect land.

sec bill amends alaska_native_claims_settlement_act ancsa declare allotment application pending department_of_the_interior december closed interior pursuant civil action shields united_states shall reopened considered approved sec bill revises eligibility alaska native vietnam veterans allotment eligibility allotments extended veterans served august eligible persons file allotments parcels federal land current law totaling acres bill eliminates limitation allotments lands vacant unappropriated unreserved date person eligible allotment occupied allotments selected vacant federal lands lands selected conveyed state alaska native corporation state corporation voluntarily relinquishes conveys land united_states allotment lands excluded allotment revised lands right way inner outer corridor right way unit national_park_system national preserve national_monument heir deceased eligible veteran regardless cause death apply receive allotment persons allotment selection ancsa conveyed allotment enactment bill reselect land


Summary:
Lytton Rancheria Homelands Act of 2015

(Sec. 4) This bill takes into trust for the benefit of the Lytton Rancheria of California certain land owned by the tribe in Sonoma County, California. Land taken into trust is made a part of the tribe's reservation. Gaming is prohibited on this land and in a specified area of Sonoma County.

(Sec. 5) Gaming is prohibited until March 16, 2037, on land taken into trust for the benefit of the tribe after enactment of this bill.

(Sec. 6) The memorandum of agreement entered into by the tribe and the county that was approved by the county on March 10, 2015, is not subject to review and approval by the Department of the Interior.

rancheria homelands act sec bill takes trust benefit rancheria california certain land owned tribe california land taken trust tribe reservation gaming prohibited land specified area sec gaming prohibited march land taken trust benefit tribe enactment bill sec memorandum agreement entered tribe county approved county march subject review approval department_of_the_interior


Summary:
Save Our National Parks Transportation Act

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a nationally significant federal lands and tribal projects program to fund construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of nationally significant federal lands and tribal transportation projects. The federal share of project costs may be up to 100%.

directs secretary transportation establish nationally significant federal lands tribal projects program fund construction reconstruction rehabilitation nationally significant federal lands tribal transportation projects federal share project costs


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an Indian tribal government to be a shareholder of an S corporation.

amends internal revenue code allow indian tribal government shareholder corporation


Summary:
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act

 This bill amends the Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to repeal the prohibition against gaming activities by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas on its lands if those gaming activities are prohibited by Texas law.

The United States and the Tribe must execute and file in each applicable court a motion for dismissal of any pending claim arising out of or relating to any interest in the aboriginal lands of the Tribe.

Any claim by or on behalf of the Tribe, or any predecessor in interest or any of its members, against the United States, Texas, or any landowner, which is based on any interest in or right involving any land or natural resources regarding the aboriginal lands, is hereby extinguished.

fair opportunity settlement act bill amends tribes texas restoration act repeal prohibition gaming activities lands gaming activities prohibited texas law united_states tribe execute file applicable court motion dismissal pending claim arising relating interest aboriginal lands tribe claim behalf tribe predecessor interest members united_states texas landowner based interest right involving land natural resources aboriginal lands extinguished


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on April 12, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Nevada Native Nations Land Act

(Sec. 3) This bill requires the United States to hold in trust the following lands for the benefit of:

 the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe of the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, 19,094 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land; the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, 82 acres of Forest Service land; the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe, 941 acres of BLM land; the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, 13,434 acres of BLM land; the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 6,357 acres of BLM land; and the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe, 31,269 acres of BLM land. The lands held for these tribes shall be part of their respective reservations.

(Sec. 4) Gaming is prohibited on these lands.

measure amended reported house april summary version repeated nevada native nations land act sec bill requires united_states hold trust following lands benefit fort indian reservation acres bureau_of_land_management blm land shoshone-paiute_tribes acres forest_service land acres blm land reno sparks indian colony acres blm land pyramid lake paiute tribe acres blm land shoshone tribe acres blm land lands held tribes shall respective reservations sec gaming prohibited lands


Summary:
Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act

 Establishes the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children in the Office of Tribal Justice of the Department of Justice.

Requires the President and Congress to appoint to the Commission individuals who have significant experience and expertise in Indian affairs and matters to be studied by the Commission.

Requires the Commission to establish a Native Advisory Committee consisting of representatives of Indian tribes from each region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and a native Hawaiian.

Directs the Commission to study federal, state, local, and tribal programs that serve Native children and use the results of the study and analyses of existing federal data to: develop recommendations for goals and plans for federal policy relating to Native children informed by the development of accurate child well-being measures; recommend modifications and improvements to programs that serve Native children; recommend improvements to the collection of data regarding Native children and the programs that serve them; and identify models of successful federal, state, and tribal programs in the areas studied by the Commission. Requires the Commission to submit a report to the President, Congress, and the White House Council on Native American Affairs on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislative and administrative action.

native children act establishes spotted bear office_of_tribal_justice department_of_justice requires president congress appoint commission individuals significant experience expertise indian affairs matters studied commission requires commission establish consisting representatives indian tribes region bureau_of_indian_affairs native hawaiian directs commission study federal state local tribal programs serve native children use results study analyses existing federal data develop recommendations goals plans federal policy relating native children informed development accurate child measures recommend modifications improvements programs serve native children recommend improvements collection data native children programs serve identify models successful federal state tribal programs areas studied commission requires commission submit report president congress findings conclusions recommendations legislative administrative action


Summary:
American Indian Trust Responsibility Review Act of 2015

 Establishes the American Indian Trust Review Commission to: (1) conduct a comprehensive review of the unique trust relationship between the United States and federally recognized Indian tribes, and (2) report to Congress within two years of this Act's enactment.

Requires the study to analyze:

 the attributes of that relationship; the policies, practices, structure, and effectiveness of the federal agencies that have trust responsibilities toward Indian tribes; the feasibility of authorizing willing Indian tribes to assume duties currently performed by the federal government; the data necessary for the Commission to get a better understanding of tribal needs; the feasibility of creating high-level federal positions to increase tribal participation in policy formation and program development; the viability of a mechanism to ensure the continuation of critical programs for Indian tribes; the appropriate role of state and local governments in federal activities affecting Indian tribes; and modifications to laws, procedures, regulations, policies, and practices that might further the federal government's trust relationship with Indian tribes.

establishes american indian trust review commission conduct comprehensive review unique trust relationship united_states federally recognized indian tribes report congress years act enactment requires study analyze attributes relationship policies practices structure effectiveness federal agencies trust responsibilities indian tribes feasibility authorizing willing indian tribes assume duties currently performed federal government data necessary commission better understanding tribal needs feasibility creating high level federal positions increase tribal participation policy formation program development viability mechanism ensure continuation critical programs indian tribes appropriate role state local governments federal activities affecting indian tribes modifications laws procedures regulations policies practices federal government trust relationship indian tribes


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act

TITLE I--COW CREEK UMPQUA LAND CONVEYANCE

Cow Creek Umpqua Land Conveyance Act

(Sec. 103) This bill requires that 17,519 acres of land be held in trust for, and be part of the reservation of, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

(Sec. 105) Federal law applies to the export of unprocessed logs harvested from this land and to forest management on this land. Gaming on this land is prohibited.

(Sec. 106) The Department of the Interior must reclassify public domain land as Oregon and California Railroad grant land in equal acreage as grant land held in trust as part of this land.

TITLE II--COQUILLE FOREST FAIRNESS

Coquille Forest Fairness Act

(Sec. 202) This bill amends the Coquille Restoration Act to remove the requirement that Interior manage the Coquille Forest in accordance with state and federal forestry and environmental protection laws.

This bill strikes a provision giving the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon jurisdiction over certain actions concerning the Coquille Forest and limiting remedies to equitable relief.

TITLE III--OREGON COASTAL LANDS

Oregon Coastal Lands Act

(Sec. 303) This bill requires that 14,408 acres of land be held in trust for, and be part of the reservation of, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians.

(Sec. 305) Federal law applies to the export of unprocessed logs harvested from this land and to forest management on this land. Gaming on this land is prohibited.

(Sec. 306) Interior must reclassify public domain land as Oregon and California Railroad grant land in equal acreage as grant land held in trust as part of this land.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated western oregon tribal fairness act title cow creek umpqua land conveyance cow creek umpqua land conveyance act sec bill requires acres land held trust reservation cow creek band umpqua_tribe indians sec federal law applies export unprocessed logs harvested land forest management land gaming land prohibited sec department_of_the_interior reclassify public domain land oregon california railroad grant land equal acreage grant land held trust land title coquille forest fairness coquille_forest fairness act sec bill amends coquille restoration act remove requirement interior manage coquille_forest accordance state federal forestry environmental protection laws bill strikes provision giving district oregon jurisdiction certain actions concerning coquille_forest limiting remedies equitable relief title iii oregon coastal lands oregon coastal lands act sec bill requires acres land held trust reservation confederated tribes coos lower umpqua siuslaw indians sec federal law applies export unprocessed logs harvested land forest management land gaming land prohibited sec interior reclassify public domain land oregon california railroad grant land equal acreage grant land held trust land


Summary:
Dine College Act of 2015

Authorizes Dine College to receive federal funding and resources for its operation, improvement, and growth, including to:

 provide higher education programs and vocational and technical education for citizens of the Navajo Nation and others; preserve and protect the Navajo language, philosophy, and culture for citizens of the Navajo Nation and others; provide Navajo communities and people with employment and training opportunities; provide economic development and community outreach for Navajo communities and people; and provide a safe learning, working, and living environment for students, employees, and the public. Authorizes appropriations to Dine College to pay for its operation and maintenance. Allows such funds to be treated as non-federal, private funds for purposes of any provision of federal law that requires that non-federal or private funds of the College be used in a project for a specific purpose. Directs the Department of the Interior to fund the operation and maintenance of the College separately from tribal colleges and universities recognized and funded by the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978.

Directs: (1) an inventory prepared by the College identifying repairs, alterations, and renovations to facilities required to meet health and safety standards and other factors to be submitted to Interior by January 31, 2016; (2) Interior to conduct a detailed survey of all capital projects and facility needs of the College and to report to specified congressional committees by October 31, 2016; and (3) Interior to use the College's inventory as baseline data to inform the survey. Authorizes the College to use funds provided under this Act to undertake any renovations and repairs to the infrastructure of the College identified in the survey.

dine college act authorizes dine college receive federal funding resources operation improvement growth including provide higher education programs vocational technical education citizens navajo nation preserve protect navajo language philosophy culture citizens navajo nation provide navajo communities people employment training opportunities provide economic development community outreach navajo communities people provide safe learning working living environment students employees public authorizes appropriations pay operation maintenance allows funds treated non federal private funds purposes provision federal law requires non federal private funds college project specific purpose directs department_of_the_interior fund operation maintenance college separately tribal colleges universities recognized funded tribally_controlled_college university assistance act directs inventory prepared college identifying repairs alterations renovations facilities required meet health safety standards factors submitted interior january interior conduct detailed survey capital projects facility needs college report specified congressional committees october interior use college inventory baseline data inform survey authorizes college use funds provided act undertake renovations repairs infrastructure college identified survey


Summary:
Tribal TANF Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to allow a tribal government (including one participating in an intertribal consortium) to lease land held in trust or in fee, at a fair market rate, for the administration of a tribal family assistance grant by the tribal government or the intertribal consortium.

fairness act bill amends temporary assistance needy families tanf title social security act allow tribal government including participating intertribal consortium lease land held trust fee fair market rate administration tribal family assistance grant tribal government intertribal consortium


Summary:
Tribal Tax Incentive for Renewable Energy Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow Indian tribes an election to transfer a portion of the energy tax credit to another taxpayer.

bill amends internal_revenue_code allow indian tribes election transfer portion energy tax credit taxpayer


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on March 10, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) All U.S. interests in approximately 80 acres of specified U.S. Forest Service land located in Tuolumne County, California, must be held in trust for the benefit of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians. Gaming is not permitted on this land.

measure amended reported house march summary version repeated sec interests approximately acres specified land located california held trust benefit tuolumne_band indians gaming permitted land


Summary:
Tribal Employment and Jobs Protection Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the definition of "applicable large employer" for purposes of the employer health care mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) any tribal employer. The bill defines "tribal employer" as: (1) any Indian tribal government or subdivision, (2) any tribal organization, or (3) any corporation or partnership if more than 50% of the equity interest of such an entity is owned by an Indian tribal government or tribal organization. An applicable large employer is defined by PPACA as an employer who employs 50 or more full-time employees who provide services on average at least 30 hours per week.

jobs protection act sec bill amends internal_revenue_code exclude definition applicable large employer purposes employer health care mandate patient_protection affordable care act ppaca tribal employer bill defines tribal employer indian tribal government subdivision tribal organization corporation partnership equity interest entity owned indian tribal government tribal organization applicable large employer defined ppaca employer employs time employees provide services average hours week


Summary: This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to pay an unspecified sum to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan and its members pursuant to a judgment rendered by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

bill directs department_of_the_treasury pay unspecified sum ottawa chippewa_indians michigan members pursuant judgment rendered


Summary:
Reaffirms the trust status of land taken into trust by the United States pursuant to the Indian Reorganization Act before the date of enactment of this Act for the benefit of an Indian tribe that was federally recognized on the date the land was taken into trust.

Ratifies and confirms any action taken by the Department of the Interior for the purpose of acquiring and taking land into trust under such Act as if such action had been taken under a federal law specifically authorizing or directing it.

Makes this Act applicable to all claims pending on, or filed on or after, the date of enactment of this Act.

Requires any land taken into trust that has been ratified and confirmed pursuant to this Act to remain Indian country.

reaffirms trust status land taken trust united_states pursuant indian reorganization act date enactment act benefit indian tribe federally recognized date land taken trust ratifies confirms action taken department_of_the_interior purpose acquiring taking land trust act action taken federal law specifically authorizing directing makes act applicable claims pending filed date enactment act requires land taken trust ratified confirmed pursuant act remain indian country


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Siletz Tribe Indian Restoration Act to authorize the Department of the Interior to take into trust for the Siletz Tribe additional lands that lie within the original 1855 Siletz Coast Reservation and are located in Benton, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Tillamook, or Yamhill County in Oregon.

Such land must be considered and evaluated as an on-reservation acquisition and become part of the tribe's reservation. (Off-reservation land acquisition requests require Interior to give greater scrutiny to the tribe's justification of the anticipated benefits from the acquisition.)

Gaming is prohibited on lands taken into trust pursuant to this bill.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure sec bill amends siletz tribe indian restoration act authorize department_of_the_interior trust siletz tribe additional lands lie original siletz coast_reservation located benton douglas lane lincoln tillamook oregon land considered evaluated reservation acquisition tribe reservation reservation land acquisition requests require interior greater scrutiny tribe justification anticipated benefits acquisition gaming prohibited lands taken trust pursuant bill


Summary:
This bill amends the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to permit the Department of the Interior to accept real property located within the boundaries of the original 1857 reservation of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon (comprising land within Polk and Yamhill Counties) that is transferred to the United States by or on behalf of the tribes.

Interior must treat applications to take land into trust within the boundaries of the original 1857 reservation as on-reservation trust acquisitions. Gaming is prohibited on such real property taken into trust, except for real property within two miles of a specified gaming facility. All real property taken into trust within those boundaries after September 9, 1988, is part of the tribes' reservation.

bill amends permit department_of_the_interior accept real property located boundaries original reservation confederated tribes grand ronde community oregon comprising land polk yamhill_counties transferred united_states behalf tribes interior treat applications land trust boundaries original reservation reservation trust acquisitions gaming prohibited real property taken trust real property miles specified gaming facility real property taken trust boundaries september tribes reservation


Summary:
Extracurricular Programs for Indian Children Act of 2015

This bill amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide grants for before-school, after-school, and summer school programs for Indian and Alaska Native students. Entities eligible for grants include Indian tribes, local educational agencies with more than 10% Indian or Alaska Native students, schools within Indian reservations, tribal colleges and universities, and tribal nonprofit organizations.

Grants may be used for activities that advance or improve student academic achievement and well-being, including education activities, Native language and culture programs, physical fitness activities, programs that promote parental involvement, substance abuse and violence prevention programs, health and mental health services, and transportation services.

The bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to make entities that are eligible for the grants in this Act eligible for the school lunch program, summer food service program for children, child and adult care food program, and school breakfast program.

bill amends consolidated_farm rural development act require department_of_agriculture usda provide grants school school summer school programs indian alaska_native students entities eligible grants include indian tribes local educational agencies indian alaska_native students schools indian reservations tribal colleges universities tribal nonprofit organizations grants activities advance improve student academic achievement including education activities native language culture programs physical fitness activities programs promote parental involvement substance abuse violence prevention programs health mental health services transportation services bill amends national school lunch act child nutrition act entities eligible grants act eligible school lunch program summer food service program children child adult care food program school breakfast program


Summary:
Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act

This bill requires the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and federal agencies with recreational travel or tourism functions to update their management plans and tourism initiatives to include Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Plans must include proposals for improving collection and provision of tourism information and assisting Native American communities.

Interior and Commerce must: (1) work with a facilitator to provide technical assistance to Indian tribes and tribal organizations regarding participation in the tourism industry, and (2) report on departmental efforts supporting such participation.

Federal agencies must support the cultural activities of Indian tribes and tribal organizations and carry out activities to promote understanding and awareness of Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

Any grants for which Indian tribes or tribal organizations are eligible may be used to: (1) support their efforts to present their story and culture, (2) revitalize Native American communities using the arts and humanities, and (3) carry out this Act.

The Smithsonian Institution must work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofits to share collections and conduct joint research and projects with museums, educational organizations, and cultural organizations.

native american tourism improving visitor experience act native act bill requires department_of_commerce department_of_the_interior federal agencies recreational travel tourism functions update management plans tourism initiatives include indian tribes tribal organizations plans include proposals improving collection provision tourism information assisting native american communities interior commerce work facilitator provide technical assistance indian tribes tribal organizations participation tourism industry report departmental efforts supporting participation federal agencies support cultural activities indian tribes tribal organizations carry activities promote understanding awareness indian tribes tribal organizations grants indian tribes tribal organizations eligible support efforts present story culture revitalize native american communities arts humanities carry act smithsonian_institution work indian tribes tribal organizations nonprofits share collections conduct joint research projects museums educational organizations cultural organizations


Summary:
Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Act to allow an Indian tribe to assume, from a nearby local educational agency (LEA) and in lieu of a state, responsibility for administration of the school breakfast program, the school lunch program, the child and adult care food program, or the summer food service program for children. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must identify, for optional use in LEAs on or near Indian reservations, alternatives to current program requirements related to the daily counting of meals by category, the use of annual applications to determine program eligibility, and the use of universal meal service. USDA may implement such alternatives, as limited by the bill, as well as further test them in demonstration projects.

The bill also amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require USDA to increase the amount of administrative funds paid to an Indian tribe that agrees to assume responsibility for the administration of one of the aforementioned food programs.

improvement act bill amends national school act allow indian tribe assume nearby local educational agency lea lieu state responsibility administration school breakfast program school lunch program child adult care food program summer food service program children department_of_agriculture usda identify optional use leas near indian reservations alternatives current program requirements related daily counting meals category use annual applications determine program eligibility use universal meal service usda implement alternatives limited bill test demonstration projects bill amends child nutrition act require usda increase administrative funds paid indian tribe agrees assume responsibility administration aforementioned food programs


Summary:
Eastern Band Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act

This bill takes specified lands and easements in Monroe County, Tennessee, into trust for the benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These lands include the Sequoyah Museum, the Chota Memorial, the Tanasi Memorial, and land to provide support for these properties and cultural programs.

With the agreement of the Department of the Interior and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the United States must take into trust for the benefit of the tribe certain additional TVA lands and easements that are identified by the tribe as being of significant historical and cultural importance.

The TVA maintains its right to carry out river control and development on these lands, including temporarily and intermittently flooding certain lands. The bill specifies the structures that may be constructed with the TVA's consent on certain lands subject to flooding.

The TVA must be compensated for lost hydropower capacity from future development of these lands.

Gaming on these lands is prohibited.

cherokee historic lands act bill takes specified lands easements monroe_county tennessee trust benefit cherokee indians lands include memorial land provide support properties cultural programs agreement department_of_the_interior tennessee_valley_authority tva united_states trust benefit tribe certain additional tva lands easements identified tribe significant historical cultural importance tva maintains right carry river control development lands including temporarily intermittently flooding certain lands bill specifies structures constructed tva consent certain lands subject flooding tva compensated lost hydropower capacity future development lands gaming lands prohibited


Summary:
Clatsop-Nehalem Restoration Act

This bill extends federal recognition to the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribes of Oregon.

Rights and privileges of the tribe and its members under any federal treaty, executive order, agreement, statute, or other federal authority that may have been diminished or lost under the Act approved August 13, 1954 are restored. That Act no longer applies to the tribe and its members.

The tribe and its members are eligible to receive all federal services and benefits furnished to federally recognized Indian tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation. Members of the tribe residing in Tillamook and Clatsop Counties in Oregon are deemed to be residing on or near a reservation.

No hunting, fishing, or trapping rights of the tribe or of any member are granted or restored.

Lands in Tillamook County, Oregon may not be held in trust for the tribe.

An Interim Council is established as the governing body of the tribe until the tribal governing body convenes. The Department of the Interior must hold an election to elect the members of the Interim Council.

The membership roll of the tribe is established and opened.

bill extends federal recognition tribes oregon rights privileges tribe members federal treaty executive order agreement statute federal authority diminished lost act approved august restored act longer applies tribe members tribe members eligible receive federal services benefits furnished federally recognized indian tribes regard existence reservation members tribe residing tillamook oregon deemed residing near reservation hunting fishing trapping rights tribe member granted restored lands oregon held trust tribe interim council established governing body tribe tribal governing body department_of_the_interior hold election elect members membership roll tribe established opened


Summary:
TITLE I--FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF INDIAN TRIBES, GENERALLY

Tribal Recognition Act of 2016

(Sec. 104) This bill replaces the process for federal recognition of Indian tribes. Indian groups may only be recognized as an Indian tribe by Congress. Groups that are not federally recognized may submit a petition for federal recognition to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and may file a letter of intent in advance. Groups may not be factions of recognized Indian tribes and may not have been denied federal recognition.

(Sec. 106) The BIA must publish guidelines for the preparation of petitions and provide petitioners with suggestions and advice.

(Sec. 107) The bill specifies criteria for a group to be considered an Indian tribe, including that the group has been identified as an Indian entity on a substantially continuous basis since 1900, comprises a distinct community, and consists of individuals who descend from a historical Indian tribe. Previous federal recognition is acceptable evidence of the tribal character of a group to the date of the last such recognition.

(Sec. 109) The BIA must: (1) notify the group, the state in which the group is located, any tribes or petitioning groups that are related to or have a potential interest in the group, and the public of the receipt of a letter of intent or a petition; (2) conduct a preliminary review of a petition and notify the group of obvious deficiencies or significant omissions and provide the group with an opportunity to revise the petition; and (3) review each petition and may initiate additional research before reporting on the petition to Congress.

TITLE II--FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF VIRGINIA INDIAN TRIBES

Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2016

(Sec. 213) This bill extends federal recognition to the following Indian tribes of Virginia and establishes their relationship with the federal government:

 the Chickahominy Tribe; the Chickahominy Indian Tribe--Eastern Division; the Upper Mattaponi Tribe; the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.; the Monacan Indian Nation; and the Nansemond Indian Tribe. The tribes and their members are made eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized Indian tribes. The bill establishes the service area of each tribe and requirements for each tribe regarding its membership roll and governance.

(Sec. 216) Upon the request of a tribe, the Department of the Interior must take specified lands into trust for the benefit of the tribe, to be considered part of the tribe's reservation.

The tribes may not conduct gaming activities.

TITLE III--LITTLE SHELL TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS

Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2016

(Sec. 304) This bill extends federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana.

(Sec. 305) The tribe and its members become eligible for services and benefits provided by the United States to federally recognized tribes and their members, without regard to the existence of a reservation or the location of the residence of any member. The service area of the tribe is considered to be the area comprised of Blaine, Cascade, Glacier, and Hill Counties, Montana.

(Sec. 307) The tribe, as a condition of receiving recognition, services, and benefits, must submit to Interior, and maintain, a membership roll.

(Sec. 308) Interior must take into trust for the benefit of the tribe 200 acres of land within the tribe's service area to be used for a tribal land base.

title federal recognition indian tribes generally tribal recognition act sec bill replaces process federal recognition indian tribes indian groups recognized indian tribe congress groups federally recognized submit petition federal recognition bureau_of_indian_affairs bia file letter intent advance groups recognized indian tribes denied federal recognition sec bia publish guidelines preparation petitions provide petitioners suggestions advice sec bill specifies criteria group considered indian tribe including group identified indian entity substantially continuous basis comprises distinct community consists individuals historical indian tribe previous federal recognition acceptable evidence tribal character group date recognition sec bia notify group state group located tribes petitioning groups related potential interest group public receipt letter intent petition conduct preliminary review petition notify group deficiencies significant omissions provide group opportunity revise petition review petition initiate additional research reporting petition congress title federal recognition virginia indian tribes tribes virginia federal recognition act sec bill extends federal recognition following indian tribes virginia establishes relationship federal government chickahominy tribe chickahominy_indian_tribe--eastern_division upper mattaponi tribe monacan_indian_nation nansemond indian tribe tribes members eligible services benefits provided federal government federally recognized indian tribes bill establishes service area tribe requirements tribe membership roll governance sec request tribe department_of_the_interior specified lands trust benefit tribe considered tribe reservation tribes conduct gaming activities title iii little shell tribe chippewa indians little shell tribe chippewa indians restoration act sec bill extends federal recognition little shell tribe chippewa_indians montana sec tribe members eligible services benefits provided united_states federally recognized tribes members regard existence reservation location residence member service area tribe considered area comprised glacier montana sec tribe condition receiving recognition services benefits submit interior maintain membership roll sec interior trust benefit tribe acres land tribe service area tribal land base


Summary:
Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act

This bill reaffirms federal recognition and the rights and privileges of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Cheboygan County, Michigan. The band is eligible for all federal services and benefits available to other federally recognized Indian tribes. This bill designates the service area for the delivery of federal services to the band and to other Indians nearby.

The Department of the Interior must acquire land in Cheboygan County, Michigan, and other geographic areas and must hold these lands in trust for the benefit of the band.

This bill sets forth criteria and evidentiary requirements for determining the initial membership of the band. The band must provide a copy of its base roll to the Bureau of Indian Affairs within one year.

The initial constitution of the band shall be the constitution submitted by the band to the Office of Federal Acknowledgment on May 2, 2005.

ottawa bill reaffirms federal recognition rights privileges ottawa chippewa_indians michigan band eligible federal services benefits available federally recognized indian tribes bill designates service area delivery federal services band indians nearby department_of_the_interior acquire land michigan geographic areas hold lands trust benefit band bill sets forth criteria evidentiary requirements determining initial membership band band provide copy base roll bureau_of_indian_affairs year initial constitution band shall constitution submitted band


Summary:
This bill revises the area in which land may be transferred to or acquired by the Navajo Tribe to the area within 18 miles of the trust lands of the Navajo Tribe, including the bands of the tribe, as of January 2015.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands anywhere within Arizona and New Mexico may be exchanged for lands within 18 miles of those trust lands.

The Navajo Tribe may exchange up to 757 acres of resettlement land selected as of January 2014 with the BLM.

The Department of the Interior must report on annual rents owed by the Navajo Tribe to the Hopi Tribe for each of the years 2001-2014.

The Navajo Tribe may designate up to 150,000 acres within specified lands as Navajo Sovereignty Empowerment Zones. Specified laws do not apply within these zones. Federal agencies responsible for implementing laws that do not apply in these zones must transfer to the Navajo Tribe the funds the agencies would have expended implementing those laws in these zones.

This bill amends the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996 to allow Navajo heads of household or their successors to relinquish an Accommodation Agreement with the Hopi Tribe regarding their residence on Hopi lands and receive relocation benefits.

The Navajo Rehabilitation Trust Fund is extended through FY2019 and revised to allow it to be used for the development of Navajo Sovereignty Empowerment Zones. The Navajo Tribe is no longer required to reimburse appropriations to the fund.

bill revises area land transferred acquired area miles trust lands navajo tribe including bands tribe january bureau_of_land_management blm lands arizona new_mexico exchanged lands miles trust lands navajo tribe exchange acres resettlement land selected january blm department_of_the_interior report annual rents owed navajo tribe hopi tribe years navajo tribe designate acres specified lands specified laws apply zones federal agencies responsible implementing laws apply zones transfer navajo tribe funds agencies expended implementing laws zones bill amends navajo hopi land dispute settlement act allow navajo heads household successors relinquish accommodation agreement hopi tribe residence hopi lands receive relocation benefits extended fy2019 revised allow development navajo tribe longer required reimburse appropriations fund


Summary:
Bring the Ancient One Home Act of 2015

This bill directs the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to transfer the human remains known as Kennewick Man or the Ancient One that are part of archaeological collection number 45BN495 to the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation on the condition that such Department disposes of and repatriates the remains to the Indian tribes and band referred to in the letter from Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt to Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera relating to the human remains, dated September 21, 2000.

The Corps of Engineers shall be responsible for any costs associated with the transfer.

bring ancient home act bill directs chief army_corps_of_engineers transfer human remains known ancient archaeological collection number condition department disposes remains indian tribes band referred letter secretary secretary army relating human remains dated september corps_of_engineers shall responsible costs associated transfer


Summary: This bill amends the Indian Long-Term Leasing Act to expand the land of the Pueblo of Santa Clara that may be leased for up to 99 years with the approval of the Department of the Interior, from lands held in trust, to all of the lands of the Pueblo of Santa Clara.

bill amends indian long term leasing act expand land pueblo leased years approval department_of_the_interior lands held trust lands


Summary:
This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convey to the Tanana Tribal Council in Tanana, Alaska, all interest of the United States in and to certain property (including all land, improvements, and appurtenances) containing 11.25 acres, in the village of Tanana for use in connection with health and social services programs.

HHS shall convey to the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation in Dillingham, Alaska, all interest of the United States in and to certain property included in the Dental Annex Subdivision (including all land, improvements, and appurtenances) containing 1.474 acres more or less, also for use in connection with health and social services programs.

Neither the Tanana Tribal Council nor the Corporation shall be liable for soil, surface water, groundwater, or other contamination resulting from the disposal, release, or presence of environmental contamination, including oil or petroleum products, or hazardous substances on any of the properties.

bill directs department_of_health_and_human_services hhs convey alaska interest united_states certain property including land improvements appurtenances containing acres village use connection health social services programs hhs shall convey alaska interest united_states certain property included including land improvements appurtenances containing acres use connection health social services programs corporation shall liable soil surface water groundwater contamination resulting disposal release presence environmental contamination including oil petroleum products hazardous substances properties


Summary:
Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act

This bill amends the Johnson-O'Malley Act to establish a program through which the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) shall contract with eligible entities for the purpose of providing educational benefits to Indian students. An eligible entity is an entity that educates or serves Indian students and is either a tribal organization, an Indian corporation, a school district, a state, or a consortium of tribal organizations.

An eligible entity shall use the funds to establish or expand programs to: (1) provide remedial instruction, counseling, cultural programs, school supplies, and specified courses and activities; (2) establish targeted, culturally sensitive, dropout prevention activities; and (3) purchase equipment to facilitate training in trade skills and college preparation.

In general, BIA shall base the amount of a contract on the number of eligible Indian students educated or served by an eligible entity.

With respect to these contracts, BIA must ensure full geographic coverage and the full participation of eligible entities.

bill amends establish program bureau_of_indian_affairs bia shall contract eligible entities purpose providing educational benefits indian students eligible entity entity serves indian students tribal organization indian corporation school district state consortium tribal organizations eligible entity shall use funds establish expand programs provide remedial instruction counseling cultural programs school supplies specified courses activities establish targeted culturally sensitive dropout prevention activities purchase equipment facilitate training trade skills college preparation general bia shall base contract number eligible indian students educated served eligible entity respect contracts bia ensure geographic coverage participation eligible entities


Summary:
Muscogee Nation of Florida Federal Recognition Act

This bill extends federal recognition to the Muscogee Nation of Florida, which makes its members eligible for the services and benefits provided to members of federally recognized Indian tribes.

 The service area of the tribe, for the purpose of delivering federal services to members, is the community of Bruce in Walton County, Florida, and an area in Florida in which members reside that is bordered on the west by the Escambia River and on the east by the St. Marks River.

The constitution and bylaws of the tribe must be the constitution and bylaws of the tribe's Tribal Council dated January 21, 2001, including amendments. The Department of the Interior, upon receipt of a written request of the Tribal Council, must hold a referendum for members to adopt a new constitution and bylaws.

The role and duties of the Tribal Council are specified.

The membership roll of the tribe must be determined in accordance with the membership criteria established by the ordinance of the tribe numbered 04-01-100 and dated February 7, 2004.

Interior may take land into trust on behalf of the tribe.

muscogee nation florida_federal recognition act bill extends federal recognition muscogee_nation florida makes members eligible services benefits provided members federally recognized indian tribes service area tribe purpose delivering federal services members community bruce walton_county florida area florida members reside bordered west escambia_river east constitution bylaws tribe constitution bylaws tribe tribal_council dated january including amendments department_of_the_interior receipt written request tribal_council hold referendum members adopt new constitution bylaws role duties tribal_council specified membership roll tribe determined accordance membership criteria established ordinance tribe numbered dated february interior land trust behalf tribe


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Tule River Indian Reservation Land Trust, Health, and Economic Development Act

(Sec. 2) This bill takes into trust 34 acres of federal land in Tulare County, California, for the benefit of the Tule River Indian Tribe. Gaming is prohibited on this land.

Persons claiming valid, existing rights to the land taken into trust may apply to the Department of the Interior to have those rights converted to a long-term right-of-way.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated tule river indian reservation land trust health economic development act sec bill takes trust acres federal land california benefit gaming prohibited land persons claiming valid existing rights land taken trust apply department_of_the_interior rights converted long term right way


Summary:
State and Tribal Government Sovereignty Protection Act of 2016

This bill establishes a moratorium period during which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) may not issue or enforce any rule or regulation governing payday loans, vehicle title loans, or other similar loans.

The Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 is amended to prohibit the CFPB from issuing any final rule or regulation to regulate payday loans, vehicle title loans, or other similar loans, unless it first: (1) consults with appropriate state, tribal, and local officials in each jurisdiction that may be affected by the rule; (2) conducts specified studies; and (3) issues a public report regarding study findings.

The CPFB shall grant a five-year waiver from such a rule or regulation if a state or federally recognized Indian tribe requests one. The waiver may be renewed at the expiration of each five-year waiver period.

state bill establishes moratorium period consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb issue enforce rule regulation governing payday loans vehicle title loans similar loans consumer financial protection act amended prohibit cfpb issuing final rule regulation regulate payday loans vehicle title loans similar loans consults appropriate state tribal local officials jurisdiction affected rule conducts specified studies issues public report study findings shall grant year waiver rule regulation state federally recognized indian tribe requests waiver renewed expiration year waiver period


Summary:
Safe Academic Facilities and Environments for Tribal Youth Act or the SAFETY Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to carry out a Tribal School Construction Demonstration Program to award grants to Indian tribes for the construction of replacement tribal schools. The program provides additional funding and opportunities for tribes to construct schools. Tribes on the Interior priority list for construction of tribal schools receive the highest priority for a grant under this program.

This bill amends the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 to revise the grant program for construction at tribal colleges and universities. The bill eliminates the requirements for Interior to identify the need for construction and tribal colleges and universities to provide matching funds. Restrictions on grant amounts and the use of constructed facilities are removed.

This bill amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Department of Agriculture to award grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal housing entities for the construction or renovation of housing in rural areas for educators at Indian schools and schools where at least 25% of the students are Indian.

The Bureau of Indian Education and the Office of Management and Budget must develop a 10-year plan to bring up to good condition certain Bureau of Indian Education school facilities.

The Government Accountability Office must report on Impact Aid for construction provided to local education agencies impacted by military dependent children and children who reside on Indian lands.

safe academic facilities environments tribal youth act safety act bill directs department_of_the_interior carry award grants indian tribes construction replacement tribal schools program provides additional funding opportunities tribes construct schools tribes interior priority list construction tribal schools receive highest priority grant program bill amends tribally_controlled_colleges universities assistance act revise grant program construction tribal colleges universities bill eliminates requirements interior identify need construction tribal colleges universities provide matching funds restrictions grant amounts use constructed facilities removed bill amends housing act authorize department_of_agriculture award grants indian tribes tribal organizations tribal housing entities construction renovation housing rural areas educators indian schools schools students indian bureau_of_indian_education office_of_management_and_budget develop year plan bring good condition certain bureau_of_indian_education school facilities government_accountability_office report impact aid construction provided local education agencies impacted military dependent children children reside indian lands


Summary:
Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to include Indian tribal governments in an annual allocation of a national tax-exempt bond volume cap. The bill repeals provisions that limit an Indian tribal government's eligibility to issue tax-exempt bonds or to be exempt from specified excise taxes to transactions involving the exercise of an essential government function customarily performed by state and local governments.

The bill amends the IRC and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to treat employee benefit or pension plans maintained by Indian tribes and domestic relations orders issued pursuant to tribal law in the same manner as plans maintained by states and domestic relations orders issued pursuant to state law.

The bill treats tribal charities and foundations in the same manner as charities and foundations funded and controlled by other governmental entities for purposes of the tax-exempt status of, and deduction for contributions to, such organizations.

The bill amends the Social Security Act to give Indian tribes or tribal organizations access to the Federal Parent Locator Service if they are eligible for a grant to operate a child support enforcement program. It makes those tribes and tribal organizations eligible to participate in the program that collects past-due support from individual tax refunds.

An Indian tribal government may determine whether a child has special needs for the purpose of the tax credit for the adoption of a child with special needs.

bill amends internal_revenue_code irc include indian tribal governments annual allocation national tax exempt bond volume cap bill repeals provisions limit indian tribal government eligibility issue tax exempt bonds exempt specified excise taxes transactions involving exercise essential government function customarily performed state local governments bill amends irc employee retirement income security act erisa treat employee benefit pension plans maintained indian tribes domestic relations orders issued pursuant tribal law manner plans maintained states domestic relations orders issued pursuant state law bill treats tribal charities foundations manner charities foundations funded controlled governmental entities purposes tax exempt status deduction contributions organizations bill amends social security act indian tribes tribal organizations access federal_parent_locator_service eligible grant operate child support enforcement program makes tribes tribal organizations eligible participate program collects past support individual tax refunds indian tribal government determine child special needs purpose tax credit adoption child special needs


Summary: This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide information to prescribers in federally qualified health centers and Indian Health Service facilities on best practices for prescribing naloxone (a prescription drug used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose) for patients a provider identifies as having an elevated risk of opioid overdose. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as heroin and certain pain medications.)

bill requires department_of_health_and_human_services provide information prescribers federally qualified health centers indian_health_service facilities best practices prescribing naloxone prescription drug rapidly reverse opioid overdose patients provider identifies having elevated risk opioid overdose opioids drugs effects similar opium heroin certain pain medications


Summary:
Tribal Marijuana Sovereignty Act of 2016

This bill prohibits consideration of an entity's authorization under federal, state, or tribal law to produce, purchase, or possess marijuana when: (1) allocating, distributing, or determining eligibility for, federal benefits; or (2) determining eligibility for or compliance with a contract, grant, or agreement under which such activities would otherwise be disqualifying. The bill applies to an Indian tribe's, a member of a tribe's, or a tribal entity's authorization to conduct such activities on land owned by the tribe, held in trust for the tribe, or conveyed to an Alaska Native Corporation.

bill prohibits consideration entity authorization federal state tribal law produce purchase possess marijuana allocating distributing determining eligibility federal benefits determining eligibility compliance contract grant agreement activities disqualifying bill applies indian tribe member tribe tribal entity authorization conduct activities land owned tribe held trust tribe conveyed alaska native corporation


Summary:
Tribal Early Childhood, Education, and Related Services Integration Act of 2016

This bill amends the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program to support tribal early childhood education demonstration projects. Funding for projects is through existing programs that have a purpose consistent with the purpose of the demonstration program. HHS may waive certain provisions of law, policy, or procedure related to the programs providing funding for projects.

Demonstration projects must be: (1) carried out by an Indian tribe, a tribal organization, or a consortium with a tribe or tribal organization as its primary member; (2) designed around new approaches that address tribal community needs and improve early childhood education and services; and (3) focused on Native culture, culturally based early childhood education, and related services.

HHS must make grants to demonstration projects to: (1) build or upgrade facilities for early childhood care and development, and (2) reimburse early childhood educators who fulfill a period of obligated service for costs associated with obtaining early childhood certification or credentials.

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise federal student loan forgiveness and loan cancellation for teachers to increase the maximum amounts of loan forgiveness and cancellation that may be provided to early childhood teachers in programs operated by Indian tribes or serving a large percentage of Indian children. Cancellation of student loans for public service is expanded to include service in Indian prekindergarten, child care programs, or early childhood learning and development centers.

tribal early childhood education related services integration act bill amends require department_of_health_and_human_services hhs establish demonstration program support tribal early childhood education demonstration projects funding projects existing programs purpose consistent purpose demonstration program hhs waive certain provisions law policy procedure related programs providing funding projects demonstration projects carried indian tribe tribal organization consortium tribe tribal organization primary member designed new approaches address tribal community needs improve early childhood education services focused native culture culturally based early childhood education related services hhs grants demonstration projects build upgrade facilities early childhood care development reimburse early childhood educators fulfill period obligated service costs associated obtaining early childhood certification credentials bill amends higher education act revise federal student loan forgiveness loan cancellation teachers increase maximum amounts loan forgiveness cancellation provided early childhood teachers programs operated indian tribes serving large percentage indian children cancellation student loans public service expanded include service indian prekindergarten child care programs early childhood learning development centers


Summary:
California Compact Protection Act

This bill amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to prohibit the Department of the Interior from allowing certain gaming on California land for which a proposed gaming compact was not ratified by the state or for which the electorate rejected a gaming compact.

california compact protection act bill amends indian gaming regulatory act prohibit department_of_the_interior allowing certain gaming california land proposed gaming compact ratified state rejected gaming compact


Summary:
This bill amends the Barrow Gas Field Transfer Act of 1984 with respect to the conveyance to the Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation (UIC) of all right, title, and interest held by the United States to sand and gravel underlying the surface estate owned by UIC in the Barrow gas fields and Walakpa gas discovery site.

This conveyance shall include all U.S. right, title, and interest to specified sand and gravel deposits underlying the surface estate owned by UIC that are contiguous to the Barrow gas fields.

bill amends transfer act respect conveyance right title interest held united_states sand gravel underlying surface estate owned gas fields gas discovery site conveyance shall include right title interest specified sand gravel deposits underlying surface estate owned contiguous gas fields


Summary:
Requirements, Expectations, and Standard Procedures for Executive Consultation with Tribes Act or the RESPECT Act

This bill requires federal agencies to: (1) have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely input by Indian tribes before undertaking any activity that may have substantial direct impacts on the lands or interests of such tribes, on the relationship between the federal government and such tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the government and such tribes; and (2) consult with Indian tribes concerning all activities that would affect any federal land that shares a border with Indian country. An agency may temporarily waive such requirements in an emergency area during an emergency period.

Such consultation must be completed before any federal funds are expended for the activity and before the issuance of any license other than for funding nondestructive project planning activities.

An agency shall:

 compile a draft of the scope of a project, including any anticipated tribal impacts, as early as possible in the planning stage of an activity; mail a copy of the planning document and a letter requesting consultation meetings to the relevant tribal government officials and non-tribal stakeholders and, at an affected tribe's request, to nongovernmental tribal stakeholders; negotiate consultation meeting arrangements with the affected tribes; execute a memorandum agreement of the scope of consultation or, upon determining that further consultation will not be productive, terminate consultation and proceed to decision stage procedures; compile, mail to affected tribal governments, and publish a document consisting of the plan for the activity and its anticipated tribal impacts; allow 90 days for comments on such document; after such 90-day period, publish and mail to affected tribes a preliminary decision letter stating the decision to proceed or not proceed with the activity, the decision's rationale, changes made in response to comments, and points where the decision conflicts with the expressed requests of affected tribes; 60 days after issuing such letter, notify the affected tribal governments of the agency's final decision; and keep an official consultation record. Each agency shall designate an official who shall: (1) have principal responsibility for reviewing existing consultation procedures and for implementation of this bill, and (2) submit to the Office of Management and Budget a description of the agency's revised consultation process.

The bill requires federal agencies to: (1) recognize and respect Indian tribal self-government and sovereignty, honor tribal treaty and other rights, and strive to meet the responsibilities that arise from the unique legal relationship between the federal government and tribal governments; (2) grant Indian tribal governments the maximum discretion possible in the administration of federal statutes and regulations; (3) take steps to streamline the processes under which Indian tribes apply for waivers of statutory and regulatory requirements; and (4) consider any such waiver application in connection with any agency program with a general view toward increasing opportunities for utilizing flexible policy approaches at the Indian tribal level.

An Indian tribe may seek judicial review of a determination of an agency under this bill in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act if the tribe has exhausted all other administrative remedies available to it.

requirements expectations tribes act respect act bill requires federal agencies accountable process ensure meaningful timely input indian tribes undertaking activity substantial direct impacts lands interests tribes relationship federal government tribes distribution power responsibilities government tribes consult indian tribes concerning activities affect federal land shares border indian country agency temporarily waive requirements emergency area emergency period consultation completed federal funds expended activity issuance license funding project planning activities agency shall compile draft scope project including anticipated tribal impacts early possible planning stage activity mail copy planning document letter requesting consultation meetings relevant tribal government officials non tribal stakeholders affected tribe request nongovernmental tribal stakeholders negotiate consultation meeting arrangements affected tribes execute memorandum agreement scope consultation determining consultation productive terminate consultation proceed decision stage procedures compile mail affected tribal governments publish document consisting plan activity anticipated tribal impacts allow days comments document day period publish mail affected tribes preliminary decision letter stating decision proceed proceed activity decision rationale changes response comments points decision conflicts expressed requests affected tribes days issuing letter notify affected tribal governments agency final decision official consultation record agency shall designate official shall principal responsibility reviewing existing consultation procedures implementation bill submit office_of_management_and_budget description agency revised consultation process bill requires federal agencies recognize respect indian tribal self government sovereignty honor tribal treaty rights strive meet responsibilities arise unique legal relationship federal government tribal governments grant indian tribal governments maximum discretion possible administration federal statutes regulations steps streamline processes indian tribes apply waivers statutory regulatory requirements consider waiver application connection agency program general view increasing opportunities utilizing flexible policy approaches indian tribal level indian tribe seek judicial review determination agency bill accordance administrative procedure act tribe exhausted administrative remedies available


Summary:
Helping Ensure Accountability, Leadership, and Trust in Tribal Healthcare Act or the HEALTTH Act

TITLE I -- EXPANDING AUTHORITIES AND IMPROVING ACESS TO CARE

(Sec. 101) This bill amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act by requiring the Indian Health Service (IHS) to implement a seven-year pilot program for testing the use of long-term contracts of at least five years for the operation of rural IHS hospitals with governance structures that include tribal input. The IHS must: (1) install a governing board at each participating hospital for overseeing the local operation of the hospital, and (2) consult with the primary Indian tribes served by the hospital when installing the boards. The boards must be comprised of representatives from the IHS, the hospital, primary Indian tribes served by the hospital, and experts in health care administration and delivery. Hospitals may modify or terminate existing contracts so that they can enter into long-term contracts under the pilot program. The IHS must report on the program results for each year of the pilot program. (Sec. 102) The bill expands the IHS' hiring authority by allowing it to offer more benefits to recruit employees. (Sec. 103) The bill allows the IHS to remove or demote an employee for performance or misconduct. (Sec. 104) The IHS must: (1) establish standards to measure the timeliness of health care services in IHS facilities, and (2) develop a process for those facilities to report data to the IHS with respect to those standards. TITLE II--INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE RECRUITMENT AND WORKFORCE

(Sec. 201) The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code by excluding from gross income payments under the IHS loan repayment program.

(Sec. 202) The bill expands the repayment program by allowing loan repayment awards for: (1) health care management, health care administration, or hospital administration professions; and (2) individuals who work part time if they serve for at least four years.

(Sec. 203) The IHS must implement mandatory training programs for cultural competency for individuals who work at IHS facilities and whose employment requires regular direct patient access.

(Sec. 204) The IHS must offer relocation reimbursement to employees who relocate to serve in a different capacity or position if the position is: (1) in a rural area or medically underserved area and has not been filled by a full-time noncontractor for at least six months, or (2) for hospital management or administration.

(Sec. 205) The bill allows the IHS to waive the requirements of Indian preference laws for positions at an IHS facility if it has a vacancy rate of at least 20%. The IHS may also waive those laws in the case of an applicant who is a former IHS employee or formal tribal employee and who was removed from employment or demoted for misconduct in the last five years.

(Sec. 206) The IHS must centralize its credentials system for licensed health professionals who seek to volunteer at IHS facilities.

TITLE III--PURCHASED/REFERRED CARE PROGRAM REFORMS

(Sec. 301) The bill establishes requirements for capping payments to certain non-IHS or non-tribal health care providers and suppliers.

(Sec. 302) The IHS must implement within three years a new revised distribution formula for the Purchased/Referred Care program, which was formerly referred to as the contract health services program.

(Sec. 303) The IHS must also implement a system to prioritize any backlog of unpaid balances under the program for each IHS area.

(Sec. 304) The Government Accountability Office must report on issues related to the financial stability of IHS' hospitals and facilities that have experienced sanction or threat of sanction by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

helping ensure accountability leadership trust act title expanding authorities improving care sec bill amends indian_health_care_improvement_act requiring indian_health_service ihs implement seven year pilot program testing use long term contracts years operation rural ihs hospitals governance structures include tribal input ihs install governing board participating hospital overseeing local operation hospital consult primary indian tribes served hospital installing boards boards comprised representatives ihs hospital primary indian tribes served hospital experts health care administration delivery hospitals modify terminate existing contracts enter long term contracts pilot program ihs report program results year pilot program sec bill expands ihs hiring authority allowing offer benefits recruit employees sec bill allows ihs remove demote employee performance misconduct sec ihs establish standards measure timeliness health care services ihs facilities develop process facilities report data ihs respect standards title indian health service recruitment workforce sec bill amends internal_revenue_code excluding gross income payments ihs loan repayment program sec bill expands repayment program allowing loan repayment awards health care management health care administration hospital administration professions individuals work time serve years sec ihs implement mandatory training programs cultural competency individuals work ihs facilities employment requires regular direct patient access sec ihs offer relocation reimbursement employees relocate serve different capacity position position rural area medically underserved area filled time months hospital management administration sec bill allows ihs waive requirements indian preference laws positions ihs facility vacancy rate ihs waive laws case applicant ihs employee formal tribal employee removed employment demoted misconduct years sec ihs credentials system licensed health professionals seek volunteer ihs facilities title iii purchased referred care program reforms sec bill establishes requirements capping payments certain non ihs non tribal health care providers suppliers sec ihs implement years new revised distribution formula program referred contract health services program sec ihs implement system prioritize backlog unpaid balances program ihs area sec government_accountability_office report issues related financial stability ihs hospitals facilities experienced sanction threat sanction


Summary: This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide the right to pass the borders of the United States (which includes other privileges pursuant to the Jay Treaty) to an American Indian born in the United States or Canada who is a member, or is eligible to be a member, of a federally recognized Indian tribe in the United States or Canada. (Current law provides such right to only an American Indian born in Canada who has at least 50% American Indian blood.)

bill amends immigration_and_nationality_act provide right pass borders united_states includes privileges pursuant treaty american indian born united_states canada member eligible member federally recognized indian tribe united_states canada current law provides right american indian born canada american indian blood


Summary: This bill amends the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 to specify that White Mountain Apache Tribe settlement funds may be used for the completion of the tribe's rural water system.

bill amends claims resolution act specify settlement funds completion tribe rural water system


Summary:
Drug-Free Indian Health Service Act of 2016

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement mandatory random drug testing for Indian Health Service (IHS) employees who provide health care or administrative services to patients at IHS health care facilities. Officers of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service are exempt from this drug testing. Each employee must be tested at least once per year for specified drugs.

HHS must notify employees of the implementation of this drug testing. Employees selected for drug testing must be notified of their selection on the same day as the testing.

Employees found to have engaged in illegal drug use, through testing, direct observation, evidence from a conviction, or voluntary admission, are prohibited from providing services to patients and referred to the HHS Employee Assistance Program (EAP). At the discretion of HHS, an employee may return to duty after obtaining counseling or rehabilitation through the EAP. HHS may initiate an adverse action, including removal, against an employee engaged in illegal drug use unless the employee voluntarily admits to illegal drug use, ceases such activity, and obtains counseling or rehabilitation through the EAP.

Employees who refuse to submit to drug testing are prohibited from providing services to patients and are subject to adverse action.

drug free indian health service act bill requires department_of_health_and_human_services hhs implement mandatory random drug testing indian_health_service ihs employees provide health care administrative services patients ihs health care facilities officers exempt drug testing employee tested year specified drugs hhs notify employees implementation drug testing employees selected drug testing notified selection day testing employees found engaged illegal drug use testing direct observation evidence conviction voluntary admission prohibited providing services patients referred hhs employee discretion hhs employee return duty obtaining counseling rehabilitation hhs initiate adverse action including removal employee engaged illegal drug use employee voluntarily illegal drug use ceases activity obtains counseling rehabilitation employees refuse submit drug testing prohibited providing services patients subject adverse action


Summary:
Native American Health Savings Improvement Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that receiving hospital care or medical services under a medical care program of the Indian Health Service or a tribal organization does not disqualify an individual from being eligible for a health savings account.

sec bill amends internal_revenue_code specify receiving hospital care medical services medical care program indian_health_service tribal organization disqualify individual eligible health savings account


Summary:
Pueblo de Cochiti Self-Governance Act

This bill amends the Act of August 26, 1992, to ratify modifications to the settlement agreement between the Pueblo de Cochiti of New Mexico and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In accordance with the amended agreement, the tribe assumes legal and financial responsibility for the operation and maintenance of a drainage system.

pueblo self governance act bill amends act august ratify modifications settlement agreement accordance amended agreement tribe assumes legal financial responsibility operation maintenance drainage system


Summary:
Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act

This bill reaffirms as trust land specified land taken into trust by the United States for the benefit of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, including land in Escambia County, Florida, and Monroe, Escambia, and Montgomery Counties in Alabama.

creek indians land reaffirmation act bill reaffirms trust land specified land taken trust united_states benefit including land escambia_county florida monroe alabama


Summary:
Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act

This bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the water rights compact between the Blackfeet Tribe and Montana dated April 15, 2009, as modified to be consistent with this bill.

The tribe and the Fort Belknap Indian Community must agree on their Milk River water rights.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) must: (1) enter into at least one water delivery contract with the Blackfeet Tribe for water from the St. Mary River water right, (2) review the final project design of the Swiftcurrent Creek Bank Stabilization Project and work with the tribe to carry out the project, and (3) carry out specified maintenance projects.

The tribe must grant the United States certain easements and rights-of-way.

The USBR is granted exclusive jurisdiction to authorize the development of St. Mary Unit hydroelectric power. The tribe is granted the exclusive right to develop and market such power.

Interior must allocate water stored in Lake Elwell for the tribe.

Ownership of Birch Creek water delivery facilities is transferred to the tribe.

The tribe must establish a tribal water code, subject to Interior approval.

The water rights of the tribe within the Lewis and Clark National Forest and Glacier National Park are confirmed.

The tribe and the United States must waive certain claims to water rights.

The tribe must: (1) waive claims against the United States regarding specified land and facilities, and (2) withdraw objections to U.S. water rights claims for the benefit of the Milk River Project.

The provisions of this bill expire and related actions and agreements are void if Interior does not publish specified findings or appropriations are not made.

blackfeet_water_rights_settlement_act bill authorizes ratifies confirms water rights compact montana dated april modified consistent bill tribe fort indian community agree milk_river water rights enter water delivery contract water mary_river water right review final project design work tribe carry project carry specified maintenance projects tribe grant united_states certain easements rights way granted exclusive jurisdiction authorize development unit hydroelectric power tribe granted exclusive right develop market power interior allocate water stored lake elwell tribe water delivery facilities transferred tribe tribe establish tribal water code subject interior approval water rights tribe lewis clark_national_forest confirmed tribe united_states waive certain claims water rights tribe waive claims united_states specified land facilities withdraw objections water rights claims benefit milk_river_project provisions bill expire related actions agreements void interior publish specified findings appropriations


Summary:
Native Educator Support and Training Act or the NEST Act

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish scholarships, loan forgiveness plans, and training programs for educators who commit to teaching in Native American or Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools.

This bill establishes three scholarship programs for students who are seeking degrees in education or school administration at institutions of higher education and commit to teaching in Native American or BIE schools:

 the Indian Student Educator Scholarship Program for students seeking degrees, the Indian Educator Scholarship Program for Indian students seeking degrees, and the Indian Educator Graduate Fellowship Program for Indian students seeking graduate degrees. Recipients of the scholarships must commit to working for a BIE school, a school serving Native Americans, or other specified schools and agencies for the greater of three years or the number of school years that the scholarship funded.

The bill establishes loan forgiveness programs for educators and Native Americans who have taught for at least five consecutive years at BIE schools or local educational agencies with high percentages of Native American students.

The bill extends the federal Perkins Loan Cancellation Program to educators teaching in BIE schools or in Native American language immersion programs.

The bill authorizes professional development grants for native-serving elementary and secondary schools. It also establishes the Native American Language Teacher Training Program to provide grants for institutions of higher education to develop training programs for Native American immersion and language teachers.

native educator support training act act bill amends higher education act establish scholarships loan forgiveness plans training programs educators commit teaching native american bureau_of_indian_education schools bill establishes scholarship programs students seeking degrees education school administration institutions higher education commit teaching native american schools indian student educator scholarship program students seeking degrees indian educator scholarship program indian students seeking degrees indian educator graduate fellowship program indian students seeking graduate degrees recipients scholarships commit working school school serving native americans specified schools agencies greater years number school years scholarship funded bill establishes loan forgiveness programs educators native americans taught consecutive years schools local educational agencies high percentages native american students bill extends federal educators teaching schools native american language immersion programs bill authorizes professional development grants native serving elementary secondary schools establishes native american language teacher training program provide grants institutions higher education develop training programs native american immersion language teachers


Summary:
Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act

This bill authorizes the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to assess sanitation and safety conditions on BIA land set aside to provide Columbia River Treaty tribes access to traditional fishing grounds. No other federal agency may carry out this assessment.

The BIA may enter into contracts with tribes or tribal organizations to improve sanitation, safety conditions, and access to electricity, sewer, and water infrastructure on this land.

columbia river lieu treaty fishing access sites improvement act bill authorizes bureau_of_indian_affairs bia assess sanitation safety conditions bia land set aside provide columbia river treaty tribes access traditional fishing grounds federal agency carry assessment bia enter contracts tribes tribal organizations improve sanitation safety conditions access electricity sewer water infrastructure land


Summary:
Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 2016

This bill increases the maximum term of imprisonment from 5 years to 10 years for individuals convicted more than once of illegal trafficking in Native American human remains or cultural items.

This bill bans the export of illegally obtained Native American cultural objects and sets penalties for violations of this ban.

A person is immune from criminal prosecution under laws regarding Native American cultural objects if the person voluntarily repatriates to the appropriate tribe all the Native American cultural objects in the person's possession not later than two years after enactment of this bill. This immunity does not apply to a person under active investigation or prosecution relating to Native American cultural objects.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on the number of Native American cultural objects illegally trafficked and the extent to which the Department of Justice has prosecuted cases of trafficking. The GAO must recommend actions to eliminate such trafficking and to secure the repatriation of Native American cultural objects.

The Department of the Interior must facilitate the convention of a working group to contribute information to the GAO report and to advise on implementation of the GAO's recommendations.

safeguard tribal objects bill increases maximum term imprisonment years years individuals convicted illegal trafficking native american human remains cultural items bill bans export illegally obtained native american cultural objects sets penalties violations ban person immune criminal prosecution laws native american cultural objects person voluntarily appropriate tribe native american cultural objects person possession later years enactment bill immunity apply person active investigation prosecution relating native american cultural objects government_accountability_office gao report number native american cultural objects illegally trafficked extent department_of_justice prosecuted cases trafficking gao recommend actions eliminate trafficking secure repatriation native american cultural objects department_of_the_interior facilitate convention working group contribute information gao report advise implementation gao recommendations


Summary:
Shee Atika Land Entitlement Act or the SALE Act

This bill declares that consideration received by the urban Native corporation of Shee Atika under the agreement between Shee Atika and the United States must be treated as the receipt of land or interest in land pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act or as cash to equalize the values of properties exchanged pursuant to that Act. (Under the Act, these considerations are not taxed.)

Shee Atika may elect to accept payment from the Department of Agriculture for Cube Cove lands into an account that may be used to purchase property sold at public sale by a federal agency. Purchases made through that account must be considered to be conveyances under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

land entitlement act sale act bill declares consideration received urban native corporation agreement united_states treated receipt land interest land pursuant alaska_native_claims_settlement_act cash equalize values properties exchanged pursuant act act considerations taxed elect accept payment lands account purchase property sold public sale federal agency purchases account considered conveyances alaska_native_claims_settlement_act


Summary: This bill repeals the act entitled "An Act to confer jurisdiction on the State of Iowa over offenses committed by or against Indians on the Sac and Fox Indian Reservation."

bill repeals act entitled act confer jurisdiction offenses committed indians