Search Results for agency_names:"Indian Affairs Bureau"

The notice publishes an amendment to the Liquor Ordinance of the Chippewa Cree Tribe on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation in Montana. The amendment arises from an agreement between the Tribe and the State of Montana to have a consistent tax level for alcoholic beverage sales both inside and outside the reservation. This aims to minimize legal disputes and share tax revenue effectively between the Tribe and the State. The ordinance mandates the Tribe to impose taxes matching Montana's liquor excise and license taxes for alcoholic beverages sold within the reservation's boundaries.

The final rule from the United States Department of the Interior updates how the Federal government acknowledges Indian Tribes by allowing previously denied petitioners a chance to re-petition. This change responds to court decisions that found the prior re-petition ban to be arbitrary. Under the new rule, petitioners have five years to show new evidence or changes in regulations that could alter previous denial outcomes, though re-petitioning is still limited by certain conditions to balance fairness and finality interests. The rule aims to enhance fairness in recognizing Tribes while maintaining efficient administrative processes.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a notice about amendments to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Liquor Ordinance. These changes, effective from March 21, 2025, update the rules for selling alcohol within the community, covering both on-sale and off-sale transactions. The amendments provide regulations on licensing, operation, and management of liquor sales on Tribally-owned property, including compliance with state and federal laws. The Community's Business Council plays a key role in overseeing on-sale and off-sale liquor operations and reporting to the General Council.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has announced adjustments to the electric power rates for the Mission Valley Power Project (MVP), which will take effect in March 2025 and 2026. Despite an initial proposal for rate changes in 2024, those were delayed and won't be implemented. The public had the opportunity to comment on these changes, but no feedback was received. MVP provides electric services to areas in and around the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, and the adjustments were made following federal guidelines, including consultation with Tribal governments.

The Department of the Interior proposes updates to the regulations governing the probate of property held in trust or restricted status for American Indians. These updates aim to make the probate process more efficient by introducing an expedited procedure for smaller estates, improving communication through electronic notices, and clarifying the reasons for reopening probate cases. Additionally, the updates seek to streamline the "purchase at probate" process and address various identified issues, such as gaps in intestacy distribution and the handling of minor estate inventory corrections. The public is invited to comment on the proposed changes, which are designed to close probate cases faster, bringing more certainty to the distribution of estates.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs published a notice about changes to the Liquor Ordinance for the Blackfeet Tribe on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. The amendment, effective January 21, 2025, updates regulations on the sale and control of alcoholic beverages. It aims to manage the sale of liquor to ensure public welfare and safety, with restrictions on who can sell alcohol and strict rules about when and where it can be sold. The ordinance also establishes penalties for violations and outlines conditions under which alcoholic beverage licenses can be granted or revoked.

The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs announced that an amendment to the Tribal-State compact for class III gaming between the Chitimacha Tribe and the State of Louisiana has been approved by law. This amendment extends the compact's term by seven years and raises the dollar amount for Tribal licensing and State certification of vendors to the Tribe's gaming facilities. The approval took effect automatically since the Secretary of the Interior did not act within the required 45-day review period set by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is proposing to renew and revise its information collection for student admissions to Haskell Indian Nations University and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. The aim is to make the application process easier, including allowing digital submissions. Public comments on this collection effort are invited, especially on its necessity, accuracy, clarity, and ways to reduce burdens on respondents. The deadline to submit comments is March 31, 2025, and more details are available through provided online links.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has issued final regulations revising the rules that implement Tribal Self-Governance as part of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. This update was created through negotiations among Self-Governance and non-Self-Governance Tribes and the Department. The new regulations aim to give Tribes more control over certain federal programs and associated funding, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and better align these regulations with Tribal sovereignty and self-determination principles. These rules also establish procedures for future involvement and input from Tribal nations, along with setting standards for managing federal programs and responsibilities.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is seeking public comments on their proposal to renew an information collection regarding probate of Indian estates, excluding members of the Osage Nation and Five Civilized Tribes. This information is essential for compiling probate files that help determine heirs and distribute trust assets after a person's death. Feedback is requested on the necessity, burden, and methods of this data collection to ensure its proper and efficient use. Comments are to be submitted by January 8, 2025, and are publicly accessible, though personal information may not be withheld.