The Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a Tribe in California has been seeking official recognition from the federal government for years. This bill would grant them that recognition, making the tribe and its members eligible for all federal services and benefits available to recognized Indian tribes — including healthcare, education, and housing assistance. It also directs the government to identify land in Mono County within the tribe's ancestral homelands to be taken into trust for tribal government, economic development, and housing. The tribe's service area would cover Mono and Inyo counties, and members would be granted hunting and fishing rights on federal lands within their aboriginal territory.
Congressional Summary
Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a Tribe Recognition ActThis bill extends federal recognition to the Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a 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.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-10-24
- Date Added
- 2026-04-09