Technical corrections only. The diff reflects the bill's progression from being reported in the House to being engrossed, changing the title from 'A BILL' to 'AN ACT' and updating procedural text. There are no substantive policy changes between v2 and v3.
Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 3, 2026
Bottom line
This bill transfers former Albuquerque Indian School federal land into trust for 19 New Mexico Pueblos, supporting tribal development and cultural institutions while prohibiting gaming on these specific parcels.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the transfer of approximately 9.89 acres of federal land, historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School, from the General Services Administration to the Secretary of the Interior, who will then take it into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. It also directs the conveyance of a 76,682 square foot warehouse on one of these tracts to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in fee simple. The trust land is designated for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development, with an explicit prohibition on gaming activities.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this legislation is a crucial step in rectifying historical injustices by returning ancestral lands to the 19 Pueblos, thereby fostering tribal self-determination, economic development, and cultural preservation. They emphasize that a secure land base is fundamental for tribal communities to build sustainable futures, create jobs, and provide essential services, aligning with federal policy goals for Native American nations.
Opponents contend
Opponents, particularly some tribal advocates, might express concern over the gaming prohibition, viewing it as an infringement on tribal sovereignty and the Pueblos' right to determine the full range of economic uses for their trust lands. Other potential, though less likely, opposition could stem from general concerns about the expansion of federal trust lands and their impact on local tax bases, despite the land already being federally owned and tax-exempt.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions by any informed reader.
Section 2(b)
Transfer of Administrative Jurisdiction to Secretary of Interior
Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, the Administrator of General Services is required to complete the relocation of all federal tenants from the specified land and transfer administrative jurisdiction over these approximately 9.89 acres to the Secretary of the Interior. This action is a prerequisite for the land to be formally taken into trust for the Pueblos.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures a timely and orderly transition of federal control, which is essential for the subsequent placement of the land into trust for the Pueblos, minimizing delays in tribal development efforts.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the administrative mechanics of land transfer, assuming the underlying policy goal of tribal land restoration is accepted.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the operational requirements of federal agencies to vacate property with the legislative mandate for a swift transfer to tribal benefit.
Section 2(c) and 2(d)
Federal Land Taken Into Trust for 19 Pueblos
Not later than 90 days after the administrative jurisdiction transfer, the Secretary of the Interior must take all right, title, and interest of the United States in the approximately 9.89 acres of former Albuquerque Indian School land into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. This action formally establishes the land as tribal trust land, removing it from direct federal ownership and placing it under federal trusteeship for tribal use.
Section 2(f)
Permitted Uses of Trust Land
The federal land taken into trust under this Act is explicitly designated for use in the educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development of the 19 Pueblos. Additionally, it will be subject to all federal laws generally applicable to Indian trust land in the State of New Mexico, ensuring consistency with existing legal frameworks.
Section 2(h)
Conveyance of Warehouse to Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Within 90 days after the relocation of federal tenants and the transfer of administrative jurisdiction, the United States is mandated to convey all ownership interests in the buildings, structures, improvements, and appurtenances located within Tract 1 (which includes a 76,682 square foot warehouse) to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, to be owned in fee simple. This ensures a key cultural institution receives a valuable asset directly.
Section 2(i)
Prohibition on Gaming Activities
The bill explicitly prohibits the land taken into trust under this Act from being used for any Class II or Class III gaming activities, as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This means that the 19 Pueblos cannot establish casinos or other forms of regulated gambling on these specific parcels of trust land, limiting a common avenue for tribal economic development.