What does Preamble of Lumbee Fairness Act do?

This bill proposes to amend the Lumbee Act of 1956.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Lumbee Fairness Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Lumbee Fairness Act.

What does FEDERAL RECOGNITION. of Lumbee Fairness Act do?

This section amends the Act of June 7, 1956, to designate the Lumbee Indians of North Carolina. It establishes definitions for 'Secretary' and 'Tribe,' specifically referring to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina or the Lumbee Indians of North Carolina. The bill extends federal recognition to the Tribe, designated as petitioner number 65 by the Office of Federal Acknowledgment. All laws and regulations generally applicable to Indian tribes will apply to the Tribe and its members. Members of the Tribe residing in specific North Carolina counties will be deemed to reside on or near an Indian reservation for the purpose of receiving federal services and benefits. The Secretary, in consultation with the Tribe, will determine needs for services and benefits, and submit a written statement to Congress. The Secretary is authorized to take land into trust for the benefit of the Tribe. The State of North Carolina will exercise jurisdiction over criminal and civil actions on land owned by or held in trust for the Tribe. The Secretary may accept transfers of jurisdiction from North Carolina, subject to consultation and a two-year delay.

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Lumbee Fairness Act

Last updated: 11/5/2025 · Introduced: 1/16/2025

Author: Thomas Tillis (R-NC)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill formally extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, aligning them with general laws and regulations applicable to federally recognized tribes.
The bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the Lumbee Tribe and authorizes transfers of jurisdiction from North Carolina, subject to consultation and a two-year delay.
Members of the Lumbee Tribe residing in designated North Carolina counties will be considered to reside on or near an Indian reservation for federal services and benefits eligibility.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 474(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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