Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023

12/20/2024, 12:03 PM

Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023

This bill removes the requirement that Alaska Native village corporations must convey lands to Alaska to be held in trust for future municipal governments. 

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) requires all Alaska Native village corporations that receive land under the ANCSA to convey certain lands to the existing municipality in the village or, if no municipality exists, to Alaska in trust for any municipality that may be established in the future. This bill removes the requirement for conveyance. Additionally, the bill allows village corporations to regain title to the lands held in trust by dissolving the trust through formal resolution by the village corporation and the residents of the Native village.   

Bill 118 s 2615, also known as the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of land ownership and management in Alaska Native villages.

The bill aims to restore and transfer certain lands in Alaska to Alaska Native villages that were previously taken away or transferred to the federal government. This would allow the Native villages to have greater control and authority over their own lands, enabling them to make decisions that are in the best interest of their communities.

Additionally, the bill seeks to provide resources and support to Alaska Native villages in order to help them manage and develop their lands in a sustainable and responsible manner. This includes funding for infrastructure projects, environmental protection initiatives, and economic development programs. Overall, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023 is designed to empower Alaska Native villages to take control of their own lands and resources, and to promote the well-being and self-determination of these communities. It is an important piece of legislation that aims to address historical injustices and support the rights and sovereignty of Alaska Native peoples.
Congress
118
Number
S - 2615
Introduced on
2023-07-27
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/16/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate

Purpose and Summary

Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023

This bill removes the requirement that Alaska Native village corporations must convey lands to Alaska to be held in trust for future municipal governments. 

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) requires all Alaska Native village corporations that receive land under the ANCSA to convey certain lands to the existing municipality in the village or, if no municipality exists, to Alaska in trust for any municipality that may be established in the future. This bill removes the requirement for conveyance. Additionally, the bill allows village corporations to regain title to the lands held in trust by dissolving the trust through formal resolution by the village corporation and the residents of the Native village.   

Bill 118 s 2615, also known as the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of land ownership and management in Alaska Native villages.

The bill aims to restore and transfer certain lands in Alaska to Alaska Native villages that were previously taken away or transferred to the federal government. This would allow the Native villages to have greater control and authority over their own lands, enabling them to make decisions that are in the best interest of their communities.

Additionally, the bill seeks to provide resources and support to Alaska Native villages in order to help them manage and develop their lands in a sustainable and responsible manner. This includes funding for infrastructure projects, environmental protection initiatives, and economic development programs. Overall, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023 is designed to empower Alaska Native villages to take control of their own lands and resources, and to promote the well-being and self-determination of these communities. It is an important piece of legislation that aims to address historical injustices and support the rights and sovereignty of Alaska Native peoples.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide that Village Corporations shall not be required to convey land in trust to the State of Alaska for the establishment of Municipal Corporations, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Native Americans
Potential Impact
Alaska•
Alaska Natives and Hawaiians•
Indian lands and resources rights•
Land transfers

Comments

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Bill Update Alert:  Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023

Recent Activity

Latest Summary6/3/2024

Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023

This bill removes the requirement that Alaska Native village corporations must convey lands to Alaska to be held in trust for future municipal governments. <...

Latest Action12/19/2024
Held at the desk.