To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.
Sponsors:
Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]
Status: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 384.
(2026-01-14)
View Original Bill Text
Plain Language Summary
This bill would let two Native American tribes in Massachusetts make longer lease agreements for their land. Right now, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head can only lease (rent out) their tribal land for shorter periods. This bill would allow them to make leases that last up to 99 years. The federal government holds this land "in trust," which means the government protects it for the tribes. Longer leases would let the tribes make business deals that last many decades, like building casinos, hotels, or other businesses that need long-term agreements to get started.
Key Points
- Two Massachusetts tribes would be allowed to lease their land for up to 99 years instead of shorter time periods
- The land is held "in trust" by the federal government, meaning the government protects it for the tribes
- Longer leases help tribes make business deals because companies often want long agreements before investing money
Who This Affects
This bill would affect the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) in Massachusetts. It would give these tribes more control over how they use their land for economic development. Businesses that want to work with these tribes might also be affected because they could get longer lease agreements.
Arguments For
- Longer leases help tribes build businesses and create jobs because companies need long-term agreements to invest
- Other tribes across the country already have this ability, so this makes the rules more fair and equal
Arguments Against
- Very long leases might limit what future tribal leaders can do with the land 99 years from now
- Some people worry about specific projects like casinos that might be built using these longer leases
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact estimated
Summary generated by AI (claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929). For informational purposes only.
Always refer to the original bill text for legal accuracy.