Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe of North Carolina Act

# Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe of North Carolina Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would grant federal recognition to the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe, a Native American group in North Carolina. Federal recognition is an official status that gives a tribe a government-to-government relationship with the U.S. government.

Once recognized, the tribe and its members would become eligible for federal services and benefits typically available to federally recognized tribes, including healthcare, education, housing, and economic development programs. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe and its members, located in six North Carolina counties (Halifax, Warren, Nash, Franklin, Vance, and Granville). The bill would also involve the Department of the Interior, which would need to review the tribe's membership records and governing documents, and could establish a reservation for the tribe if needed. **Key Provisions:** The bill requires the tribe to submit official membership records and governing documents to the Department of the Interior for approval. It allows the Interior Department to hold land "in trust" (on behalf of) the tribe and establish a reservation, though the tribe doesn't need to have existing reservation land to receive federal benefits and recognition. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.