The Bureau of Indian Affairs is seeking input from tribal representatives on changes to two draft amendments: a fee-to-trust process and one on Class III gaming compacts.
In a U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs news release, the changes would target the clarity, efficiency and cost of the changes made by the regulations. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland noted in the release that the changes the bureau is seeking would drive progress towards good governance and follow-through on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitments to Indian Country.
“We understand the importance of ensuring a timely and efficient process for taking land into trust and providing clarity on Class III gaming compact negotiations, Newland said in the release. “We look forward to additional feedback from Tribes on how to further improve these proposed amendments.”
The news release noted that Newland penned a letter in late march that was sent to Tribal leaders to let them know about the proposals and chance to comment.
According to the bureau’s news release, it will accept oral and written testimony at four virtual sessions, the first two on May 9, a third on May 13, and a fourth on May 23. Comments can be submitted in writing via email to consultation@bia.gov by 11:59 p.m. June 30.
The news release noted that the changes will result on increased efficiency and a simpler and cheaper fee-to-trust process regarding land in trust for tribes, cutting processing times and defining decision-making regulations. Changes regarding the review and approval of compacts for tribal state gaming would be clarified, according to the news release.
