The Department of Interior is delaying the effective date of a final rule regarding the Federal acknowledgment process for American Indian tribes. Originally set for February 14, 2025, the new effective date is now March 21, 2025. This change follows a Presidential Memorandum ordering a freeze on certain regulations to allow for further review. The rule introduces a process called "re-petition authorization," enabling tribes previously denied acknowledgment the chance to reapply, under specific conditions.
Simple Explanation
The Department of Interior is taking more time to start a new rule that helps decide if American Indian tribes can be officially recognized, moving the start from February 14 to March 21, 2025. This extra time is because the President wants to double-check some rules, and it also lets tribes try again if they were told "no" before, but they have to meet special rules.