H.R. 9915 (IH) is a bill that would permanently extend the first right of refusal for the purchase of Tribal assets. This bill was introduced by Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) on June 15, 2022, and is currently in the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary of the Bill
The bill would amend the Indian Land Consolidation Act (ILCA) to permanently extend the first right of refusal for the purchase of Tribal assets. This right was originally granted to Tribes in 1983 and was set to expire in 2023. The bill would also make other changes to the ILCA, including:
- Expanding the definition of “Tribal assets” to include all assets that are owned or controlled by a Tribe. This would include land, water, mineral rights, and other resources.
- Extending the right of first refusal to all purchases of Tribal assets, regardless of the purchase price. The current law only applies to purchases of Tribal assets that are valued at $1 million or more.
- Requiring the Secretary of the Interior to develop regulations to implement the bill. These regulations would include provisions for the appraisal of Tribal assets and the process for exercising the right of first refusal.
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of the bill is to protect Tribal assets from being sold to non-Indians. This is important because Tribal assets are often essential to the economic and cultural well-being of Tribes. The bill would also help to ensure that Tribes have the opportunity to acquire Tribal assets that are being sold by non-Indians.
Support for the Bill
The bill is supported by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). NCAI President Fawn Sharp said that the bill “is essential to protecting Tribal assets and ensuring that Tribes have the opportunity to acquire land and other resources that are vital to their communities.”
The bill is also supported by the Department of the Interior. In a letter to Congress, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said that the bill “would help to preserve the unique and valuable assets of Indian tribes and ensure that these assets continue to be used for the benefit of Indian communities.”
Opposition to the Bill
The bill is opposed by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). AFBF President Zippy Duvall said that the bill “would give Tribes a monopoly on the purchase of land in certain areas.” He also said that the bill would “make it more difficult for farmers and ranchers to acquire land.”
The bill is also opposed by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR President Leslie Rouda Smith said that the bill “would create an unfair advantage for Tribes in the real estate market.” She also said that the bill would “make it more difficult for non-Indians to buy property in certain areas.”
Conclusion
H.R. 9915 is a bill that would permanently extend the first right of refusal for the purchase of Tribal assets. The bill is supported by Tribes and the Department of the Interior, but it is opposed by the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Association of Realtors. The bill is currently in the House Committee on Natural Resources.
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