Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill mandates the transfer of approximately 1,261 acres of land in Riverside County, California, into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians. Upon transfer, this land will become an integral part of the Tribe's reservation and will be administered according to the federal laws and regulations governing property held in trust for Indian Tribes. The legislation also requires the Tribe to provide at least 45 days' notice to specific congressional committees and federal officials before terminating any existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the covered land, and to report any termination or violation of such MOUs. The land taken into trust will be subject to several important conditions, including all valid existing rights. It must be maintained as open space and used exclusively for purposes consistent with this designation, such as the protection, preservation, and maintenance of archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources . While construction of utilities or structures is permitted if consistent with open space and resource protection, the bill explicitly prohibits the use of this land for any Class II or Class III gaming activities. Furthermore, the legislation clarifies that it will not alter any existing water rights or service agreements.
CaliforniaCongressional oversightIndian lands and resources rightsLand transfersLand use and conservation
To take certain land in the State of California into trust for the benefit of the Pechanga Band of Indians, and for other purposes.
USA119th CongressHR-5682| House
| Updated: 3/5/2026
This bill mandates the transfer of approximately 1,261 acres of land in Riverside County, California, into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians. Upon transfer, this land will become an integral part of the Tribe's reservation and will be administered according to the federal laws and regulations governing property held in trust for Indian Tribes. The legislation also requires the Tribe to provide at least 45 days' notice to specific congressional committees and federal officials before terminating any existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the covered land, and to report any termination or violation of such MOUs. The land taken into trust will be subject to several important conditions, including all valid existing rights. It must be maintained as open space and used exclusively for purposes consistent with this designation, such as the protection, preservation, and maintenance of archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources . While construction of utilities or structures is permitted if consistent with open space and resource protection, the bill explicitly prohibits the use of this land for any Class II or Class III gaming activities. Furthermore, the legislation clarifies that it will not alter any existing water rights or service agreements.