# Plain Language Summary: Mono Lake Kutzadikaa Tribe Recognition Act

This bill officially recognizes the Mono Lake Kutzadikaa Tribe as a federally recognized Native American tribe. Right now, the tribe doesn't have this official status from the federal government, which means its members can't access many services and benefits that other Native American tribes receive. Once this bill passes, that changes—the tribe and all its members become eligible for federal healthcare, education programs, housing assistance, and other services provided to Native Americans. The tribe's service area would cover Mono and Inyo counties in California, so members living in those areas would be able to access these benefits regardless of whether they live on a reservation.

The bill also restores certain rights that the tribe historically had. Most importantly, it grants the Mono Lake Kutzadikaa Tribe hunting and fishing rights on federal lands within their ancestral homeland. Federal agencies that manage these lands would need to work with the tribe to allow them to exercise these rights while still following existing laws and land management plans. This is significant because it recognizes the tribe's traditional relationship with the land and resources in their region.

Additionally, the bill requires the tribe to create an official membership roll within 18 months, listing everyone who qualifies as a member according to the tribe's constitution. The federal government would also identify and transfer land managed by the Bureau of Land Management into trust for the tribe—essentially giving the tribe control of this land to use for government offices, economic development, and housing. This land transfer is particularly important because it gives the tribe a land base to build infrastructure and develop economically, something many federally recognized tribes have but this tribe currently lacks.

Mono Lake Kutzadikaa Tribe Recognition Act

Kiley, Kevin

Mono Lake Kutzadika&#7491 Tribe Recognition Act This bill extends federal recognition to the Mono Lake Kutzadika&#7491 Tribe. The bill makes the tribe and its members eligible for services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes and their members, without regard to the existence of a reservation or the location of the residence of any member. The service area of the tribe is considered to be Mono and Inyo Counties, California. In addition, the bill grants the tribe hunting and fishing rights on all federal lands within its aboriginal land area. Further, the tribe must submit a membership roll to the Department of the Interior as a condition of receiving recognition, services, and benefits. The tribe must maintain the membership roll. Interior, upon the request of the tribe, must take into trust certain land in Mono County, California, for the benefit of the tribe.