Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
Introduced
Summary
Grants federal recognition to the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia so the Tribe and its members would become eligible for federal Indian services and subject to federal Indian laws.
Show full summary
- Tribal citizens would be eligible for all federal services and benefits available to federally recognized tribes, without regard to whether a reservation exists. The Secretary of the Interior would have 120 days to coordinate the service area for delivering those services.
- The Tribe's most recent membership roll and governing documents submitted to the Department of the Interior would determine membership and official governance. Upon request, the Secretary would be required to take into trust tribal fee lands acquired on or before January 1, 2007 that lie within Southampton County and make a final determination within 3 years of the request.
- The Tribe would be prohibited from conducting gaming under any claimed inherent authority or under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Act would not change any hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights of the Tribe and Tribal citizens.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Federal recognition and benefits for Cheroenhaka Tribe
If enacted, the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe would be federally recognized. Tribal citizens would be eligible for all federal services for recognized tribes, even without a reservation. Federal Indian laws would apply unless they conflict with this Act. The service area for delivering federal services would be set with the Secretary within 120 days after enactment. The Tribe’s membership roll and governing rules filed before enactment would stand, and the current or duly elected governing body would be recognized. The Tribe would not be allowed to run gaming under federal law.
Take Tribe land into federal trust
If enacted, the Secretary would take certain Tribe-owned land into federal trust if the Tribe asks. The land must be in Southampton County, VA, and bought on or before January 1, 2007. The Secretary would issue a final written decision within 3 years after the request. If taken into trust, the Tribe could ask to treat the land as reservation land.
No change to hunting and water rights
If enacted, the bill would not change the Tribe’s hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights. Current rights would stay the same for Tribal citizens.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
VA • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3]
VA • D
Sponsored 10/17/2025
Wittman
VA • R
Sponsored 2/9/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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