HR 474119th CongressIntroduced

Lumbee Fairness Act

Introduced: Oct 29, 2025

Civil Rights & JusticeInfrastructureSocial Services

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Lumbee Fairness Act amends the 1956 Lumbee Act to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, enabling eligibility for federal services and benefits, authorizing land trust acquisitions, and defining state jurisdiction over tribal lands while preserving tribal sovereignty within specific North Carolina counties.

Key Points

1The bill extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, making all federal laws and regulations applicable to the tribe and its members as with other federally recognized tribes.
2It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the tribe, particularly within Robeson County, treating such acquisitions as 'on reservation' trust lands.
3The legislation maintains North Carolina's criminal and civil jurisdiction over tribal lands but permits negotiated transfers of jurisdiction to the federal government after tribal-state agreements.

Impact Areas

Lumbee Tribe members in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland countiesNorth Carolina state government and local jurisdictionsFederal agencies including Interior and Health and Human ServicesTribal governance and service delivery systems

Generated by legislative-analyst-v3 on Nov 6, 2025