6 versions

SubstantiveWhat changed in ENGROSSED AMENDMENT SENATEcompared with REPORTED TO SENATE (Sep 22, 2026)

A substantive amendment, v6 updates the short title to 2026 and revises the process for taking the Four Corners Federal land into trust for the Pit River Tribe. It introduces an administrative transfer of jurisdiction from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of the Interior, shifts survey responsibility, and significantly alters the total and excluded acreage of the land to be taken into trust.

H.R. 2400119th CongressIntroduced Mar 27, 2025

Pit River Land Transfer Act of 2026

Passed SenateNative AmericansSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1]
Committees: Indian Affairs Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 30, 2026

Bottom line

This bill transfers approximately 557 acres of federal land into trust for the Pit River Tribe, expanding their reservation while prohibiting gaming on the transferred parcel.

What it actually does

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer administrative jurisdiction over approximately 557 acres of federal land, known as the Four Corners Federal land, to the Secretary of the Interior. Subsequently, the Secretary of the Interior is mandated to take this land into trust for the benefit of the Pit River Tribe in California. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of this land for any class II or class III gaming activities.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this legislation is a crucial step in fulfilling the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, enhancing tribal sovereignty, and providing the Pit River Tribe with a consolidated land base essential for economic development, cultural preservation, and self-governance, consistent with established federal Indian policy.

Opponents contend

Opponents, if any, might raise concerns about the precedent of transferring federal public lands, potential impacts on public access to these areas, or the implications of expanding tribal trust lands. However, specific organized opposition to this particular land transfer is not evident in the bill text or public record.

The bill is exceptionally concise and clearly written, allowing for a complete understanding of its provisions in a very short amount of time.

Section 2

Four Corners Federal Land Taken Into Trust for Pit River Tribe

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture transfer administrative control of approximately 557 acres of Forest Service land, known as the Four Corners Federal land, to the Secretary of the Interior. Following this, the Secretary of the Interior is directed to take this land into trust for the Pit River Tribe. Once in trust, this land will be considered part of the Tribe's Reservation and managed under federal laws applicable to tribal trust property. The bill also requires a survey of the land within 180 days of enactment and allows for minor administrative corrections by mutual agreement.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupPit River TribeImpactExpansion of tribal land base, enhanced sovereignty, potential for economic development and cultural preservation.MechanismDirect transfer of federal land into trust status.ScaleApproximately 557 acres added to the Tribe's Reservation.

GroupFederal Government (Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior)ImpactChange in administrative jurisdiction and ownership of federal land.MechanismStatutory mandate for transfer and trust acquisition.ScaleSpecific parcel of 557 acres.

GroupGeneral PublicImpactPotential change in access or use of formerly federal land, now under tribal trust status.MechanismLand taken into trust for a federally recognized tribe.ScaleLocalized to the Four Corners Federal land in California.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this land transfer is a critical measure to support tribal self-determination and economic self-sufficiency for the Pit River Tribe, providing a secure and consolidated land base for their community, housing, and cultural practices.

Critics contend

Critics, if any, might express concerns about the reduction of federal public lands or the precedent of such transfers, potentially impacting public access or environmental management, though specific opposition to this particular transfer is not widely articulated.

Tradeoffs

This provision navigates the balance between fulfilling federal trust responsibilities to Native American tribes and managing the broader portfolio of federal public lands. It addresses the tribe's need for a consolidated land base while potentially altering the status and accessibility of the transferred area for non-tribal entities.

FOUND

The land taken into trust under this Act shall not be used for any class II gaming or class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Section 2(f)

Why it matters:This type of gaming prohibition is a common inclusion in land-into-trust legislation, often serving to address potential concerns from surrounding communities or political stakeholders regarding the expansion of tribal gaming, thereby facilitating broader support for the bill.

Case for: Proponents of this restriction argue that it proactively addresses potential community anxieties about the development of gaming facilities, making the land transfer more politically palatable and reducing local opposition.

Case against: Some tribal advocates might contend that such restrictions infringe upon tribal sovereignty and the tribe's inherent right to determine the economic use of its lands, potentially limiting significant revenue streams that could support tribal services and infrastructure.

Estimated impact: This provision prevents the Pit River Tribe from developing a potentially significant economic sector (gaming) on the 557 acres of transferred land, thereby impacting the tribe's future revenue generation from this specific parcel.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.