Summary
Places approximately 721 acres of land in San Diego County, California, into a trust held by the United States for the benefit of the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
What problem does this solve?
The Pala Band of Mission Indians owned land that was not officially part of their reservation, which could create issues for its protection and use. This law makes the land part of the Pala Indian Reservation, ensuring it is managed under federal laws for tribal lands.
Who does this affect?
- Pala Band of Mission Indians
- U.S. Department of the Interior
- Residents of San Diego County, California
What does this law do?
Transfers land into a trust
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to take about 721 acres of land in San Diego County into a trust for the Pala Band of Mission Indians, if the tribe first transfers the title to the U.S.
Prohibits gaming on the new land
Forbids the tribe from using the land for any gaming activities under any federal law, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Adds land to the Pala Indian Reservation
Makes the newly acquired land an official part of the Pala Indian Reservation. It will be managed under the same rules as other land held in trust for a tribe by the United States.
What is the real world impact?
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Supports tribal self-governance and land management
Adds land to the Pala Indian Reservation, allowing the tribe to manage it under the same federal laws as their other trust lands. This helps the tribe protect and use the land for its cultural and environmental benefit.
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Restricts potential economic development
Prohibits the tribe from using the newly acquired land for any gaming activities. This limits how the tribe can generate money from the land, as gaming is often a major source of income for tribes.
When does this start?
This law sets specific deadlines for the land transfer process to be completed.
Tribe's deadline to transfer land
The Pala Band of Mission Indians must transfer the title for the land to the United States within 180 days of the law's signing on July 28, 2023.
Government's deadline to accept land
The Secretary of the Interior must take the land into trust for the tribe within 180 days after the tribe completes its transfer of the title.