To authorize, ratify, and confirm the Agreement of Settlement and Compromise to Resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim in the State of New York, and for other purposes.
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Passed House
Summary
Resolves the Akwesasne Mohawk land claim by authorizing and ratifying a Settlement Agreement. It would authorize land, right-of-way, and easement transfers tied to that agreement and designate Tribe-owned lands in the Settlement Acquisition Areas as Indian Country under title 18, United States Code, section 1151(a), subject to the settlement's terms.
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- Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne: Formalizes the settlement framework and authorizes transfers that clear title and implement the agreed resolution of the claim. This confirms which lands are covered by the deal.
- People living on covered lands: Lands the Tribe owns in the Settlement Acquisition Areas would be defined as Indian Country, which affects federal criminal jurisdiction on those parcels under 18 U.S.C. 1151(a).
- State and local governments and the New York Power Authority: Authorizes transfers of land, rights-of-way, or easements involved in the named litigation so the parties can complete the settlement and adjust property or infrastructure arrangements.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Approve Akwesasne land settlement and transfers
If enacted, this would approve the Akwesasne Mohawk land claim settlement in New York. It would allow agreed transfers of land, rights‑of‑way, and easements tied to the listed court cases. If your property is in the disputed area, who owns or controls it could change under the settlement. Authority would begin upon enactment and only for transfers needed to carry out the Settlement Agreement.
Indian Country status for Tribal lands
If enacted, land the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe owns in the settlement areas would be treated as "Indian Country" under federal law. This would cover land the Tribe owns on the settlement’s effective date and land it later buys in those areas. Under the Settlement Agreement’s terms, this could change who handles criminal cases and some rules on that land.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
NY • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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