To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the “Long-Term Leasing Act”), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes
To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the “Long-Term Leasing Act”), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes
Plain Language Summary
# HR 681 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill allows two Massachusetts-based Native American tribes—the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)—to lease their federally-held trust lands for up to 99 years. Currently, the law limits leases to shorter terms. The longer lease period would give tribes and potential lessees (such as businesses or developers) more stability and certainty when planning long-term projects on tribal lands. **Who It Affects** The bill directly affects the two Wampanoag tribes and anyone interested in leasing land from them.
Indirectly, it could impact Massachusetts communities where these reservations are located, as longer lease terms might facilitate economic development projects on tribal lands. The change applies only to these two specific tribes and their trust lands. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting further action in the Senate.
CRS Official Summary
This bill authorizes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease their land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years. Both tribes are located in Massachusetts.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.