Bill · H.R. 5327· House(119-HR-5327)
Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act
- Introduced
- 9/11/2025
- Last activity
- 9/11/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Jennifer McClellan
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act," seeks to extend federal recognition to the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia. By establishing this recognition, the Tribe and its members become eligible for federal services and benefits. The Act also provides a process for the Secretary of the Interior to take certain lands into trust for the benefit of the Tribe. Additionally, the bill addresses the Tribe's governing body and membership rolls. Finally, it clarifies that the Act does not affect specific hunting, fishing, or water rights, nor does it impact the Indian Child Welfare Act.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
The bill provides federal recognition, essential services, and land trust opportunities to the Nottoway Indian Tribe.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+8
The bill extends federal recognition to the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia, providing them access to federal services and rights.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill provides access to federal services and benefits which can assist low-income tribal members.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Federal Services: The Tribe and its members will be eligible for all services and benefits provided by the Federal Government to federally recognized Indian Tribes. (Section 4(b)(1))
-
Land Trust Opportunities: The Secretary of the Interior is required to take into trust land held in fee by the Tribe that was acquired on or before January 1, 2022, within specific Virginia counties. (Section 7(a)(1))
-
Tribal Self-Governance: The bill allows the Tribe to maintain its existing governing body or elect new ones according to its own governing documents. (Section 6)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Gaming Restrictions: The Tribe is explicitly prohibited from conducting gaming activities under any Federal law or authority, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. (Section 8)
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+9Good For Low Income Households+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+8Improves Poverty Reduction+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3
- 12/12/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/11/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
Robert ScottDemocrat · Virginia