Bill · S. 107· Senate(119-S-107)
Lumbee Fairness Act
- Introduced
- 1/16/2025
- Last activity
- 11/5/2025 — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-275.
- Sponsored by
- Thomas Tillis
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 16
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Lumbee Fairness Act aims to amend the Lumbee Act of 1956. This bill extends federal recognition to the Tribe designated as petitioner number 65 by the Office of Federal Acknowledgment. It ensures that all federal laws and regulations applicable to Indian tribes also apply to the Tribe and its members. Additionally, the Act establishes eligibility for federal services and benefits, treating certain members as if they live on or near a reservation. Finally, it authorizes the Secretary to take land into trust for the Tribe's benefit and outlines the jurisdiction of the State of North Carolina.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
The bill extends federal recognition and full eligibility for federal services to the Lumbee Tribe.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+8
The bill provides federal recognition and access to federal benefits for the Lumbee Tribe.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+7
The bill makes Tribe members eligible for all federal services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Federal Recognition and Legal Protections: The bill extends federal recognition to the Tribe, meaning all federal laws and regulations of general application to Indian tribes will apply to the Tribe and its members (Section 4).
-
Access to Federal Services: The Tribe and its members become eligible for all services and benefits provided by the Federal Government to federally recognized Indian tribes (Section 5(a)).
-
Residency Deeming for Benefits: To help deliver services, members residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties in North Carolina will be considered as residing on or near an Indian reservation (Section 5(b)).
-
Land Acquisition: The Secretary is given the authority to take land into trust for the benefit of the Tribe (Section 6(a)).
-
Opportunities for Other Groups: Any group of Indians in Robeson and adjoining counties, North Carolina, whose members are not enrolled in the Tribe, may petition for acknowledgment of tribal existence (Section 4(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- State Jurisdiction: The State of North Carolina will exercise jurisdiction over all criminal offenses and civil actions involving land owned by or held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe or its dependent Indian community (Section 7(a)).
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+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+8Improves Poverty Reduction+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7
- 11/5/2025
- Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-275.
- 10/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/30/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/8/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/29/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/18/2025
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 2/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/28/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/24/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/23/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/16/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Lindsey GrahamRepublican · South Carolina
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Maggie HassanDemocrat · New Hampshire
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut
Markwayne MullinRepublican · Oklahoma
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Mark WarnerDemocrat · Virginia