Bill · S. 1508· Senate(119-S-1508)
Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act
- Introduced
- 4/29/2025
- Last activity
- 12/17/2025 — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
- Sponsored by
- John Curtis
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act. It gives the State of Utah jurisdiction over civil cases involving the Shivwits Band of Paiutes that happen on their Indian lands. The text defines what Indian lands and the Shivwits Band of Paiutes mean for the purpose of this legislation. It also handles how contracts, leases, and agreements involving the Tribe are viewed under federal law. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the Tribe's sovereign immunity from unconsented lawsuits is not canceled by the act. Finally, it updates leasing authority related to land held in trust for the Tribe.
Yes
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+3
The bill confers civil jurisdiction on the State of Utah for certain matters occurring on tribal lands.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+2
The bill clarifies leasing authority and jurisdictional frameworks for the Shivwits Band of Paiutes.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 3 gives the State of Utah jurisdiction over civil causes of action to which the Shivwits Band of Paiutes is a party and that arise on or within the Indian lands, which may provide clear legal avenues for people involved in civil matters with the Tribe on those lands.
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Section 5 protects the Shivwits Band of Paiutes by explicitly stating that nothing in the Act abrogates the sovereign immunity of the Tribe from unconsented suit, nor does it abrogate the authority of the Tribe to waive that sovereign immunity.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not explicitly identify any specific negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+2
- 12/17/2025
- Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
- 4/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- 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.