§1609 Limitation of Actions

Summary

Any civil lawsuit that tries to challenge the United States’ power to make this law or that questions the law’s legality must be filed within one year of December 18, 1971. Only an authorized State official can start such a case, and only the United States District Court for the District of Alaska can hear it. The time limit exists so the rights and titles of the United States, the Natives, and the State of Alaska become fixed and can be relied on. If the State starts or joins that kind of lawsuit, the State’s land-selection rights under the Alaska Statehood Act are put on hold for any public lands the Secretary finds may be valuable for minerals, timber, or other commercial uses. While the case is going on, the State may not make selections, get tentative approvals, or receive patents for those lands. The State’s selection deadline is extended by the same number of days the right was suspended.