zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Justice for Telecommunications Consumers Act

This bill prohibits a predispute arbitration agreement from being valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of a dispute arising out of a contract for commercial mobile services, multichannel video programming distributor services, telecommunications or information services, or common carrier services under the Communications Act of 1934.

The validity or enforceability of such an agreement to arbitrate shall be determined by a court, under federal law, rather than by an arbitrator, irrespective of whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the contract containing such agreement.

The bill does not apply to contracts between an employer and a labor organization or between labor organizations, except that no such arbitration provision shall waive the right of an employee to seek judicial enforcement of a right arising under the U.S. Constitution, a state constitution, a federal or state statute, or related public policy.

Date: 2016-04-28
Topic: Transportation (Maritime)
Subject: Law
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2007 - Transfers certain land in Riverside and San Diego counties, California, from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians. Prohibits such transfer from including the 12.82 acres of lands more or less, including the facilities, improvements, and appurtenances associated with the existing 230kV transmission line in San Diego County and its 300 foot corridor, which shall be sold by BLM for fair market value to the San Diego Gas & Electric Company not later than 30 days after the completion of the cadastral survey described in this Act.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Lumbee Recognition Act - Extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, as designated as petitioner number 65 by the Office of Federal Acknowledgment.Permits any group of Indians in Robeson and adjoining counties, North Carolina, whose members are not enrolled in the Tribe to petition for acknowledgment of tribal existence. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided to Indians because of their status as members of a federally recognized tribe. Deems, for purposes of delivery of such services, those members of the Tribe residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland Counties in North Carolina to be residing on or near an Indian reservation.Instructs the Secretary to treat fee lands which the Tribe seeks to convey to the United States to be held in trust as "on-reservation" trust acquisitions if such lands are located within Robeson County. Prohibits the Tribe from conducting gaming activities.Grants the state of North Carolina jurisdiction over all criminal offenses and all civil actions on lands within North Carolina that are owned by or held in trust for the Tribe or any independent Indian community of the Tribe. Authorizes the Secretary to accept any transfer by the state of any portion of the state's jurisdiction of such offenses and actions pursuant to an agreement between the Tribe and the state. Bars such transfer of jurisdiction from taking effect until two years after the effective date of the agreement. Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Extends federal recognition to the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc., of Virginia. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all future services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes. Deems the Tribe's service area to be King and Queen, Caroline, and Essex, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Richmond Counties, Virginia. Sets forth requirements for submission of a tribal membership roll and governing documents. Requires the Secretary to take into trust for the Tribe's benefit any other land within such counties the Tribe transfers to the Secretary. Provides that no land taken into trust for the Tribe's benefit shall be considered Indian lands for the purpose of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribal Compensation Act - Amends the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act to increase the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary of the Treasury to provide compensation to the Lower Brule Tribe of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects along the Missouri River. Amends the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act of 1996 to increase the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary to provide compensation to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for such damage. States that this Act shall be considered to be full and final compensation to the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe for damages caused by the construction of the Fort Randall Dam and the Big Bend Dam under the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Water resources development
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Equitable Compensation Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Equitable Compensation Act to make member landowners eligible for the additional financial compensation provided to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe for the acquisition by the federal government of 104,492 acres of land of the Tribe and member landowners for the Oahe Dam and Reservoir project. Defines "member landowner" as a member of the Tribe (or an heir of such a member) that owned land on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation that was acquired by the United States for the Oahe Dam and Reservoir Project of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make five annual deposits into the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Recovery Trust Fund. Rewrites requirements concerning the investment of the Trust Fund. Requires the investment of separate principal and interest accounts within such Fund. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) to annually review with the Tribe the results of the investment activities and financial status of the Fund; and (2) if investing the Fund pursuant to such requirements is not practicable or would result in adverse consequences, to modify those requirements to the least extent necessary. Authorizes the plan prepared for the use of payments to the Tribe to provide for payment of additional compensation to member landowners. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to assist the Tribe in claims processing by providing any record requested to identify the heirs of member landowners within 90 days after receiving a request. Extinguishes all monetary claims of a member landowner or an heir of a member landowner against the United States for the taking by the United States of land or property of the Tribe for the Oahe Dam and Reservoir Project upon acceptance by such member landowner or heir of any payment by the Tribe for damages resulting from the taking.

Date: 2007-01-16
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include territories and Indian tribes as eligible grant recipients (or reaffirm that eligibility) under the programs to: (1) address the manufacture, sale, and use of methamphetamine; (2) aid children in homes in which methamphetamine or other drugs are unlawfully manufactured, distributed, dispensed, or used; and (3) address methamphetamine use by pregnant and parenting women offenders.

Date: 2007-01-17
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Restoring the Everglades, an American Legacy Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out the project for ecosystem restoration, water supply, flood control, and protection of water quality, Indian River Lagoon, South Florida, at a specified total cost, in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the Chief of Engineers, dated August 6, 2004. Deauthorizes certain projects authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 and the Flood Control Act of 1968. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out the project for ecosystem restoration, Picayune Strand, Collier County, Florida, at a specified total cost in accordance with section 601 of Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (relating to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan) and the report of the Chief of Engineers, September 15, 2006.

Date: 2007-01-22
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Water resources development
Cocopah Lands Act - Provides that if the Cocopah Indian Tribe of Arizona transfers title to certain described land to the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary shall take it into trust for the benefit of the Tribe, if there are no recognized environmental conditions or contamination related concerns and no adverse legal claims to it, including outstanding liens, mortgages, or taxes owed. Considers such land to be part of the Tribe's initial reservation. Designates Yuma county, Arizona, to be the Tribe's service area for the delivery of federal services to enrolled members of the Tribe. Prohibits its use for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Date: 2007-01-24
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Waives application of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act to a specified parcel of real property transferred by the United States to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. Prohibits Class II and Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act on such real property.

Date: 2007-01-24
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing.Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy to cover the costs of federal guarantees for financing for tribal housing activities.

Date: 2007-02-06
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Copper Valley Native Allotment Resolution Act of 2007 - Grants rights-of-way across specified Native allotments to the Copper Valley Electric Association for an electric transmission line. Declares this Act inapplicable to land owned by Ahtna, Inc. and any prior or current right-of-way agreements that may exist between Ahtna, Inc. and the Copper Valley Electric Association or Alaska. Prescribes compensation procedures. Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2007-02-06
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act - Extends all federal laws and regulations to the Duwamish Tribe. Declares 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 Secretary 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 the Secretary to take Tribe service area or aboriginal lands into trust for the benefit of the Tribe if the Tribe transfers all right, title, and interest in and to the land to the Secretary within ten years. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to identify those lands which shall be considered the aboriginal homelands of the Tribe.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends federal law to repeal the requirement regarding the freeze on the development of lands in litigation under the Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act of 1974.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 with respect to grants to tribally controlled postsecondary vocational and technical institutions that are not receiving federal support under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 or the Navajo Community College Act to provide basic support for the education and training of Indian students. Revises the definition of "Indian student count" (essential to the formula for the determination of grant amounts).

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends the Indian Financing Act of 1974 with respect to loan guaranty and insurance to: (1) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to guarantee or insure loans to both for-profit and nonprofit borrowers; and (2) allow all or any portion of a guaranteed or insured loan, including its security, to be transferred by the lender by sale or assignment to any person, and be retransferred by the transferee.Allows a fiscal transfer agent to be compensated through any of the fees assessed and any interest earned on any funds or fees the agent has collected while the funds or fees are in the agent's control and before the time at which the agent is contractually required to transfer such funds to the Secretary or to transferees or other holders. Makes loans made by an eligible Community Development Finance Institution eligible for guaranty or insurance. Increases from $500 million to $1.5 billion the amount of loans the Bureau of Indian Affairs can have outstanding. .

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Provides that any actual rental proceeds from the lease of land acquired with a Farmers Home Administration Direct Loan by an Indian tribe or tribal corporation certified by the Secretary of the Interior shall be deemed to: (1) constitute the rental value of that land; and (2) satisfy the requirement for appraisal of that land.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act with respect to the National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education (Foundation). Requires the Foundation Board to appoint a chief operating officer for the Foundation separate from the Secretary of the Interior (who currently acts as chief operating officer). Places limitations on the administrative costs of the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2010. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds to pay the operating expenses of the Foundation.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act - Approves, ratifies, and confirms the Settlement Agreement entered into by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians (the Tribe) relating to alleged interferences with the water resources of the Tribe's reservation. Declares that the United States consents to be made a party to the lawsuit Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians v. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California No. 00-04208 GAF (MANx) pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, for the purpose of entering the judgment and decree attached to the Settlement Agreement as Exhibit H. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior (or the Secretary's designee) to execute and implement the Settlement Agreement and any amendments approved by the parties to the Agreement to make it consistent with this Act. Establishes the: (1) San Jacinto Basin Restoration Fund for costs associated with constructing and maintaining the part of the basin recharge project necessary to accommodate supplemental imported water deliveries; and (2) Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Water Development Fund for costs associated with constructing and maintaining water-related development projects. Provides for waivers and releases of specified claims made by the Tribe. Sets forth rules concerning the Tribe's use of water under the Settlement Agreement. Requires the United States, as trustee for the Tribe, and the Tribe to make available up to 98 acres of the Tribe's reservation land for habitat conservation related to the part of the basin recharge project described above.

Date: 2007-03-01
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2007 - Extends federal recognition to the following Indian tribes of Virginia and states their relationship with the federal government as described below: (1) the Chickahominy Tribe; (2) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe--Eastern Division; (3) the Upper Mattaponi Tribe; (4) the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.; (5) the Monacan Indian Nation; and (6) the Nansemond Indian Tribe. Makes each Tribe and tribal members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized Indian tribes. Sets forth the service area of the Tribe and requirements for the Tribe with respect to submission of a membership roll and governing documents and the governing body of the Tribe. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon a certain land transfer, to take specified lands into trust for the benefit of the Tribe, which shall be considered part of the Tribe's reservation. Prohibits the Tribe from conducting gaming activities.Specifies this Act's effect with regard to the hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, and water rights of the Tribe and its members. Grants the state of Virginia jurisdiction over criminal offenses and civil actions on lands within Virginia that are owned by or held in trust for the Tribe. Authorizes the Secretary to accept all or a portion of the state's jurisdiction over such offenses and actions upon verification by the Secretary of a certification by a tribe that it possesses the capacity to reassume such jurisdiction.

Date: 2007-03-01
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2007 - Extends federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits furnished to federally recognized Indian tribes without regard to the existence of a tribal reservation or the location of the residence of any member on or near any Indian Reservation. Directs the Tribe to submit to the Secretary of the Interior a membership roll consisting of all individuals enrolled as members of the Tribe.Directs the Secretary to acquire trust title to 200 acres of land within the Tribe's service area for the benefit of the Tribe for a tribal land base.

Date: 2007-03-01
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environment and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for training in tribal leadership, management, and policy.

Date: 2007-03-12
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from approving any new tribal-state compacts for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act until two years after enactment of this Act.

Date: 2007-03-15
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act - Reaffirms federal recognition and the rights and privileges of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Cheboygan County, Michigan. Extends to the Band eligibility for all federal services and benefits available to other federally recognized Indian tribes. Designates the service area for the delivery of federal services to the Band and to other Indians in the area of Cheboygan County, Michigan.Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land in Cheboygan County, Michigan, and in other geographic areas and to hold such lands in trust for the benefit of the Band.Sets forth criteria and evidentiary requirements for determining the initial membership of the Band. Requires the Band to provide a copy of its base roll to the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within one year after the enactment of this Act.Provides that the initial constitution of the Band shall be the constitution submitted by the Band to the Office of Federal Acknowledgment on May 2, 2005.

Date: 2007-03-19
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to except certain newly acquired lands taken into trust by the Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of an Indian Tribe from the prohibition on gaming on such lands when the Secretary, after consultation with the Tribe and appropriate state and local officials, including officials of other nearby tribes, determines that a gaming establishment on those newly acquired lands would be in the best interest of the Tribe and its members and would not be detrimental to the surrounding community.

Date: 2007-03-22
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Native American Home Ownership Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2012: (1) the authorization of appropriations to the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund for loan guarantees for Native American housing; and (2) the limitation on the outstanding aggregate principal amount of such loans.

Date: 2007-03-26
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Housing and community development
Amends the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to remove the blood quantum requirement for determining the membership of descendants of members of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Indian Tribe.

Date: 2007-03-26
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends the Morris K.Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to: (1) require the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation to award grants to the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy at the University of Arizona to develop resources to train Native American and Alaska Native professionals in health care and public policy; (2) revise requirements regarding limitations on program priorities and require that at least 50% of the funds provided to the Center be spent for Native American education and policy activities; (3) provide for the Foundation to pay a limited amount for official reception and representation expenses; (4) prohibit any committee or group organized by the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution in connection with the services it provides pursuant to the Act from being subject to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provided that the committee or group is neither established nor controlled by another agency of the executive branch; and (5) instruct the Foundation to carry out the Act's provisions without regard to federal law governing appointments in the competitive service.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Education
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the Indian employment tax credit; and (2) accelerated depreciation of business property used on Indian reservations.

Date: 2007-04-17
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Taxation
Mowa Band of Choctaw Indians Recognition Act - Extends federal recognition and associated services and benefits to the Mowa Band of Choctaw Indians of Alabama. Restores federal rights and privileges abrogated by earlier statutes. Approves and ratifies the cession to the United States of all historical tribal lands of the Band. Extinguishes all specified claims against the United States, a state or local government, or any other person or entity, by the Band arising subsequent to such cession, and based upon any interest in or right involving the land. Prohibits the Band from using its federal recognition to assert any historical land claim. Transfers all interests in lands held by the Band upon enactment of this Act to the United States, to be held in trust for the benefit of the Band.

Date: 2007-04-19
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an Indian tribal government, in the case of a facility that uses a renewable energy resource to produce electricity in which such government has an ownership interest in the gross sales from such facility, to assign to any other person who has such an ownership interest in such facility any portion of the production from the facility that would, but for this Act, be allocated to such government for purposes of the renewable electricity production credit. Makes such amendment applicable to electricity produced and sold after December 31, 2006.

Date: 2007-04-19
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Taxation
Provides for the consideration of a petition for federal recognition as an Indian tribe by the Lumbee Indians of Robeson and adjoining counties of North Carolina. Expresses the sense of the Congress that review of such petition should not unnecessarily delay review of petitions awaiting active consideration.

Date: 2007-04-24
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Muscogee Nation of Florida Federal Recognition Act - Extends federal recognition to the Muscogee Nation of Florida (the Nation). Makes the Nation and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized Indian tribes. Considers, for the purpose of the delivery of federal services to members, the service area of the Nation to be: (1) the community of Bruce in Walton County, Florida; and (2) 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. Declares that the constitution and bylaws of the Nation shall be the constitution and bylaws of the Nation's Tribal Council dated January 21, 2001 (including amendments). Instructs the Secretary of the Interior, upon receipt of a written request of the Tribal Council, to hold a referendum for members to adopt a new constitution and bylaws. Specifies the role and duties of the Tribal Council. Requires that the membership roll of the Nation be determined in accordance with the membership criteria established by the ordinance of the Nation numbered 04-01-100 and dated February 7, 2004.

Date: 2007-04-25
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Tribal Government Pension Equality Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to modify the definition of governmental plan with respect to the treatment of the Indian tribal pension plans. Makes the amendments made by this Act effective as if included in section 906 (Treatment of certain pension plans of Indian tribal governments) of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

Date: 2007-05-02
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to proclaim as reservation for the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians a specified parcel of land in Michigan now held in trust by the United States for the Tribe.States that the Secretary's proclamation shall be pursuant to section 7 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (relating to new Indian reservations), and shall be deemed effective as of April 19, 1988.

Date: 2007-05-02
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Directs the Secretary of State to establish in the Department of State a pilot program with the Miccosukee Indian tribe (Florida) for the purpose of exploring the development of more appropriate and effective arrangements for managing relations between the federal government and Indian tribes. Vests in the Secretary of State the authorities and responsibilities currently vested in any federal official or agency with respect to managing relations between the federal government and the Miccosukee Indian tribe.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to take lands identified as alternative lands in the Settlement of Land Claim (the agreement between the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Governor of Michigan executed on August 23, 2002, including the document titled Addendum to Settlement of Land Claim, executed on November 13, 2007) into trust for the benefit of the Community within 30 days after the Secretary has: (1) received a title insurance policy for the alternative lands that shows that such lands are not subject to mortgages, liens, deeds of trust, options to purchase, or other security interests; and (2) confirmed that the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 has been complied with regarding the trust acquisition of the property.Provides for the alternative lands to become part of the Community's reservation immediately upon attaining trust status. Requires the alternative lands to be taken into trust as part of the settlement and extinguishment of the Community's Charlotte Beach land claims and to be deemed lands obtained in settlement of a land claim within the meaning of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.Extinguishes, concurrent with the Secretary taking the alternative lands into trust, all claims by the Community: (1) to the Charlotte Beach lands; or (2) against the United States, the State of Michigan, or any other person or entity based on or relating to claims to such lands, whether based on aboriginal or recognized title. Approves and ratifies the Settlement of Land Claim, which shall be enforceable by the Community or the Governorn according to its terms. Vests exclusive jurisdiction over any enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize a Small Business Development Center in an eligible state to apply for an additional grant to be used solely to provide services to assist with outreach, development, and enhancement on Indian lands of small business startups and expansions owned by Indian tribe members, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Defines an "eligible state" as a state that has a combined population of Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians that comprises at least 1% of the state's total population. Prohibits any applicant from receiving more than $300,000 in such grants for one fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out such additional assistance for FY2008-FY2010. Requires a Small Business Development Center receiving such a grant to request the advice of the local tribal organization on how best to provide assistance and where to locate satellite centers to provide such assistance.

Date: 2007-05-10
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Commerce
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse to each of the Boise Forte Band, Fond du Lac Band, Grand Portage Band, Leech Lake Band, Mille Lacs Band, and White Earth Band the amount of funds plus interest earned to the date of reimbursement that each Band contributed for payment of litigation expenses and expert witness fees associated with the litigation of Docket No. 19 and Docket No. 188 before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Provides for reimbursement to a Band only for litigation expenses and expert witness fees incurred prior to June 22, 1999. Requires that a Band's claim for reimbursement of expended funds be certified by the Band as being unreimbursed to it from other funding sources. Requires the Secretary to review the claims and determine if the fees and expenses are properly documented and incurred in the litigation of the claims before the Court in Docket Nos. 19 and 188. Requires the Bands to update their membership rolls to include all living enrolled members. Subjects the membership rolls to the review and approval of the Secretary. Sets forth provisions for the: (1) division of the judgment funds; and (2) development of separate tribal plans for the use and distribution of such funds.

Date: 2007-05-14
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley Water Rights Settlement Act - Approves, ratifies, and confirms, the agreement entitled the "Agreement to Establish the Relative Water Rights of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and the Upstream Water Users, East Fork Owyhee River," except as specified in this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to hold tribal water rights in trust. Requires the Tribes to enact a water code to administer such rights. Establishes the Shoneshone-Paiute Tribes Water Rights Development Fund and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Operation and Maintenance Fund.

Date: 2007-05-15
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Recognizes the village of Alexander Creek located in Alaska as an eligible Native village. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an Alexander Creek account, the funds of which shall be available to Alexander Creek, Incorporated for bidding on and purchasing property sold at public sale. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to enter into negotiations to attempt to conclude a land exchange to acquire the surface estate in lands not within any conservation system unit from the State of Alaska or the Mantanuska-Susitna Borough to enable Alexander Creek to select additional public lands within Alexander Creek's original withdrawal area in Alaska. Requires the: (1) the account's initial balance to be the fair market value of the surface estate of certain deficiency selections made by Alexander Creek; and (2) subsurface estate to the lands conveyed to Alexander Creek to be conveyed to Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated. Deems Alexander Creek, upon certification by the Secretary of the appraisal described in this Act, to have accepted the terms of this Act in lieu of any other land entitlement it could have received pursuant to ANCSA. Declares that such acceptance shall satisfy all claims of Alexander Creek against the United States. Deems any land conveyed to Alexander Creek pursuant to this Act to be a conveyance pursuant to ANCSA.

Date: 2007-05-22
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Voluntary Public Access and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program under which states and tribal governments may apply for grants to encourage owners and operators of privately-held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make such land available for public access for wildlife-dependent recreation (including hunting or fishing) under state- and tribally-administered plans. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to exclude from excess base acreage computation for direct and counter-cyclical payment purposes certain conservation enrolled farm land not planted in an agricultural commodity.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Tribal Economic Development and Infrastructure Support Act of 2007 - Amends the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) authorize Indian tribes to issue notes and other obligations (guarantee loans) to finance community and economic development activities; and (2) require at least 70% of the aggregate funds received by an Indian tribe or tribally designated housing entity as a result of a guarantee under such Act to be used for the support of activities that benefit low-income Indian families on Indian reservations and other Indian areas.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Limitation of Tribal Gambling to Existing Tribal Lands Act of 2007 - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to limit the Indian land eligible for gaming. Revises the prohibition against gaming on lands acquired by the Secretary of the Interior in trust for the benefit of an Indian tribe after October 17, 1988, by repealing the exception to such prohibition for lands taken into trust as part of: (1) a settlement of a land claim; (2) the initial reservation of an Indian tribe acknowledged by the Secretary under the federal acknowledgment process; or (3) the restoration of lands for an Indian tribe that is restored to federal recognition. Requires joint approval by the legislature of a state as well as by its governor of gaming on other lands otherwise excepted from the prohibition when the Secretary determines that a gaming establishment on newly acquired lands would be in the best interest of the Indian tribe and its members, and would not be detrimental to the surrounding community.

Date: 2007-06-05
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.

Date: 2007-06-18
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Health
Severs the United States relations with the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma until the Cherokee Nation is meeting all of its treaty obligations and other federal statutory obligations, including all obligations with the Treaty of 1866 and has restored the rights of Cherokee Freedmen disenfranchised from the Cherokee Nation in the March 3, 2007, Cherokee Nation vote to remove them from the Cherokee Nation. Requires a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the Cherokee Nation's expenditure of federal funds, as well as other specified reports from federal agencies, the Secretary of the Interior, and the National Indian Gaming Commission.Suspends the Cherokee Nation's authority to conduct gaming operations until it is in compliance with all treaty and other obligations with the United States.Grants any Cherokee Freedman a private right to bring actions for injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or monetary damages against the Cherokee Nation, officials of the Cherokee Nation, or federal officials. Directs the Attorney General to issue a finding on whether the federal civil rights of the Cherokee Freedmen have been violated by the Cherokee Nation and/or the Department of the Interior.

Date: 2007-06-21
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Indian Tribal Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act - Establishes the Commission on Indian Recognition. Sets forth procedures for an Indian group to submit letters of intent and a petition to the Commission requesting federal recognition as an Indian tribe (effectively transferring the federal recognition process from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the Commission). Specifies the requirements of a petition for recognition. Requires the Commission upon receiving a petition to: (1) send acknowledgment of receipt in writing to the petitioner; and (2) conduct a review to determine whether the petitioner is entitled to be recognized as an Indian tribe. Authorizes the petitioner to seek judicial review of a final determination with respect to a petition in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Makes an Indian tribe upon recognition by the Commission: (1) eligible for services and benefits from the federal government that are available to other federally recognized Indian tribes by virtue of their status as Indian tribes with a government-to-government relationship with the United States; and (2) have responsibilities, obligations, privileges, and immunities of those Indian tribes. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to Indian groups seeking federal recognition as Indian tribes to enable them to conduct research to substantiate, and prepare documentation necessary for submission of, documented petitions under this Act.

Date: 2007-06-22
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Allows, subject to the provisions of this Act, the Coquille Indian Tribe of Oregon to transfer, lease, encumber, or otherwise convey, without further authorization or approval, all or any part of the Tribe's interest in any real property that is not held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe. Makes such authority nonapplicable with respect to any transfer, encumbrance, lease, or other conveyance of any land or interest in land of the Tribe that occurred before January 1, 2007. Prohibits anything in this Act from intending to authorize the Tribe to transfer, lease, encumber, or otherwise convey, any lands, or any interest in any lands, that are held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe. Bars the United States from being held liable to any party (including the Tribe or any agent or instrumentality of the Tribe) for any term of, or any loss resulting from the term of any transfer, lease, encumbrance, or conveyance of land pursuant to this Act, except as specified. Makes such prohibition nonapplicable to land transferred or conveyed by the Tribe to the United States to be held in trust for the benefit of the Tribe.

Date: 2007-06-26
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Allows, subject to the provisions of this Act, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan to transfer, lease, encumber, or otherwise convey, without further authorization or approval, all or any part of the Tribe's interest in any real property that is not held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe. Prohibits anything in this Act from intending to authorize the Tribe to transfer, lease, encumber, or otherwise convey, any lands, or any interest in any lands, that are held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe. Bars the United States from being held liable to any party (including the Tribe or any agent or instrumentality of the Tribe) for any term of, or any loss resulting from the term of any transfer, lease, encumbrance, or conveyance of land pursuant to this Act, except as specified. Makes such prohibition nonapplicable to land transferred or conveyed by the Tribe to the United States to be held in trust for the benefit of the Tribe.

Date: 2007-07-10
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2007 - Transfers certain lands in Riverside and San Diego Counties, California, from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians. Prohibits such transfer from including the 12.82 acres of lands more or less, including the facilities, improvements, and appurtenances associated with the existing 230kV transmission line in San Diego County and its 300 foot corridor, which shall be sold by BLM for fair market value to the San Diego Gas & Electric Company not later than 30 days after the completion of the cadastral survey and appraisal described in this Act. Requires: (1) conveyance of the utility corridor to the Gas & Electric Company; and (2) the Company to pay the costs of carrying out the conveyance of the utility corridor, including any associated survey and appraisal costs. Allows the transferred lands to be used only as open space and for the protection, preservation, and maintenance of archeological, cultural, and wildlife resources. Bars the construction of any roads on such lands other than for maintenance purposes. Prohibits the development of infrastructure or buildings on the transferred land. Prohibits the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians from conducting gaming activities or activities conducted in conjunction with the operation of a casino: (1) as a matter of claimed inherent authority; or (2) under any federal law, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (including any regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior or the National Indian Gaming Commission under such Act).

Date: 2007-07-10
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Native American Economic Development and Infrastructure for Housing Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to guarantee notes and obligations issued by Indian tribes or tribally designated housing entities, with tribal approval, to finance community and economic development activities on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas. Requires the use of at least 70% of the aggregate funds received as a result of such guarantee to support activities that benefit low-income Indian families. Directs the Secretary to establish underwriting criteria for such guarantees, including necessary fees, to ensure that the guarantee program is financially sound. Prohibits the Secretary from denying a guarantee on the basis of the proposed repayment period for the note or other obligation, unless the period is more than 20 years or he determines that the period causes the guarantee to constitute an unacceptable financial risk. Limits a guarantee to repayment of 95% of the unpaid principal and interest due. Requires the Secretary, in cooperation with Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities, to carry out training and information activities with respect to the guarantee program. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into guarantee commitments with an aggregate principal amount of up to $200 million for each of FY2008-FY2012. Authorizes appropriations for such fiscal years. Prohibits the expenditure of funds appropriated under this Act for the benefit of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma until the Secretary certifies to Congress that it is in compliance with the Treaty of 1866 and fully recognizes all Cherokee Freedmen and their descendants as citizens of the Cherokee Nation. Limits to $1 billion, or any authorized higher amount, the total aggregate outstanding obligations guaranteed on a cumulative basis by the Secretary for any fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to monitor the use of such guarantees by Indian tribes. Authorizes the Secretary, upon finding that 50% of such aggregate guarantee authority has been committed, to: (1) limit to $25 million the amount of guarantees that any one Indian tribe may receive in any fiscal year; or (2) request the enactment of legislation increasing the aggregate outstanding limitation. Terminates on October 1, 2012, the Secretary's authority to make new guarantees for notes and obligations.

Date: 2007-07-11
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans
Provides for and approves the settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to take certain alternative lands into trust for the Tribe's benefit, upon fulfillment of a specified condition, as part of the settlement and extinguishment of the Tribe's Charlotte Beach land claims. Extinguishes such claims.

Date: 2007-07-16
Topic: Public Lands (Indigenous Affairs)
Subject: Native Americans