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119-hr-5327119th CongressWALLET

Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act

Sponsored By: Representative McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

Introduced

Summary

Federal recognition for the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, Incorporated would make the Tribe and its members eligible for federal services and let certain Tribe-owned lands be taken into trust.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Federal recognition and services for Nottoway Tribe

If enacted, the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, Incorporated would be federally recognized. Tribal members would be eligible for all federal services and benefits for recognized Tribes, even without a reservation. Federal service delivery would cover these Virginia counties: Nottoway, Southampton, Sussex, Surry, Isle of Wight, Franklin, and Dinwiddie. The bill would define who counts as a Tribal member and name the Secretary of the Interior. The Tribe’s most recent membership roll and governing documents sent to the Secretary before enactment would control, and the current or duly elected governing body would be recognized.

No Tribal gaming under federal law

If enacted, the Tribe would be barred from running gaming under federal law, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. It would also bar gaming based on claimed inherent authority. The Tribe would not be able to operate casinos or similar gaming under federal rules.

No change to hunting and ICWA rules

If enacted, the bill would not change the Tribe’s hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights. Your rights would stay the same as before enactment. It would also not change how section 109 of the Indian Child Welfare Act applies.

Putting Nottoway Tribal land into trust

If enacted, the Tribe could ask Interior to take Tribe-owned land into trust. The Secretary would have to take land into trust if the Tribe acquired it on or before January 1, 2022 and it is in Southampton, Sussex, Surry, Isle of Wight, Nottoway, or Dinwiddie counties. For other Tribe-owned land in those counties, the Secretary could take it into trust. For those discretionary requests, a final written decision would be due within 3 years and shared with the Tribe. Land taken into trust under the mandatory rule could become part of the Tribe’s reservation on request.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

VA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 12/12/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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