Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4184
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4184
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Summary
Requires the government to hold certain land in Arizona in a special legal status, called a trust, for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
What problem does this solve?
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe owned land near Tucson, Arizona, that was not officially part of their reservation, which limited its use for community and economic growth. This law officially adds that land to the tribe's reservation by placing it into a federal trust, allowing for gaming and other activities under tribal control.
What does this law do?
Land placed into trust for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon the Tribe's request, to take any land the Tribe owns within a specific area in Tucson, Arizona, and hold it in trust for them.
Allows gaming on the new trust land
Specifies that any gaming conducted by the Tribe on this land must follow the rules of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Makes the land part of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation
States that the land taken into trust will officially become part of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation and be managed under the same laws as other trust lands.
Sets a retroactive trust date
The land will be legally considered to have been taken into trust on September 18, 1978.
Who does this affect?
- Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona
- Residents of Pima County, Arizona
What is the real world impact?
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Promotes tribal economic development
Allows the Pascua Yaqui Tribe to use the land for gaming, as agreed upon with the state of Arizona. This creates a source of money for the tribe to fund community services and programs.
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Expands tribal gaming operations
Critics might argue that the primary purpose is to expand casino operations, which could lead to local competition or social issues associated with gambling, without providing broader community benefits.
When does this start?
The provisions of this law take effect upon the request of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe to the Secretary of the Interior, starting on December 27, 2022.