The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs approved the Shawnee Tribe's new leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act, allowing them to lease their lands for various purposes like business, educational, and cultural activities without needing further approval from the Secretary of the Interior. This approval aims to give tribes more control over their lands and help them develop their economies. The rules also state that state and local taxes cannot be applied to improvements or activities on these lands, although the Shawnee Tribe might levy their own taxes. The Federal Government continues to support the tribes in managing and monitoring these leases.
Simple Explanation
The government said the Shawnee Tribe can decide how to use their land, like for schools or businesses, without asking again. They don’t have to pay local taxes on these lands, but they can make their own rules about taxes.