H.R. 2389: Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act

This bill, known as the Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act, aims to transfer approximately 72 acres of land located in Washington State into trust for the benefit of the Quinault Indian Nation. The bill outlines several key provisions regarding this transfer:

1. Land Transfer

The bill specifies that about 72 acres of land, referred to as Allotment 1157, will be administratively transferred from the Forest Service to the Department of the Interior. This land will be held in trust for the Quinault Indian Nation, which is a federally recognized tribe in Washington. The transfer is subject to existing valid rights.

2. Reservation Status

Once the land is taken into trust, it will be considered part of the Quinault Indian Reservation and will be administered by the Secretary of the Interior according to the laws and regulations governing Indian trust properties.

3. Gaming Prohibition

The bill states that the land transferred into trust will not be eligible for gaming activities as defined under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This means that the Quinault Indian Nation will not be able to establish casinos or gaming facilities on this newly acquired land.

4. Protection of Treaty Rights

The bill ensures that nothing in this Act will affect the existing treaty rights of the Quinault Indian Nation under the Treaty of Olympia, which was established in the mid-19th century. This provision is meant to protect the tribe's historical and legal rights as outlined in previous agreements with the United States.

5. Hazardous Materials

Regarding any hazardous substances present on the land, the Secretary of the Interior is required to comply with specific disclosure requirements under federal law for environmental safety. However, the bill states that the Secretary will not have to undertake remediation or abatement of hazardous substances on the land as part of the trust transfer process.

Relevant Companies

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