Puyallup Tribe of Indians Land Into Trust Confirmation Act of 2023
Apr 19, 2024
Apr 19, 2024
Summary
Places about 17 acres of land in Pierce County, Washington, into a trust held by the United States for the benefit of the Puyallup Tribe.
What does this law do?
Takes land into trust
Transfers about 17.26 acres of land owned by the Puyallup Tribe in Pierce County, Washington, into a trust held by the United States for the tribe's benefit.
Expands the reservation
Makes the land taken into trust an official part of the Puyallup Tribe of the Puyallup Reservation.
Prohibits gambling
Bans the use of this land for Class II or Class III gaming, which includes bingo, slot machines, and table games.
Limits U.S. liability
States that the United States government will not be held responsible for any environmental pollution that existed on the land before it was taken into trust.
Applies federal laws
Requires the land to be managed according to the laws and rules that generally apply to property held in trust by the U.S. for Native American tribes.
Who does this affect?
- Puyallup Tribe of the Puyallup Reservation
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens tribal sovereignty
Makes the land officially part of the Puyallup Tribe's reservation. This gives the tribe greater control over its territory for governance and economic development.
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Prevents new casino development
Prohibits the tribe from using this specific land for casino-style gambling. This may have been a compromise to address local concerns and help the bill pass.
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Limits federal responsibility
Protects the U.S. government from being sued for any past environmental pollution on the land. The responsibility for any pre-existing contamination remains with others.
What problem does this solve?
The Puyallup Tribe owned land that was not officially part of their reservation, which created legal and management challenges. This law solves the problem by formally adding the land to the tribe's reservation and placing it under federal trust.
When does this start?
This law becomes effective on April 19, 2024.