Bill would exempt tribal enterprises from federal labor board oversight
Placed on the calendarH.R. 1723Latest action
Sponsor: John R. Moolenaar · Representative · MI
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Official title: Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill would exempt tribal governments and tribal-owned businesses from the National Labor Relations Act's union rules.
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What does this do?
This bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to add Indian tribes and tribally-owned enterprises on Indian lands to the list of employers exempt from the law, similar to federal, state, and local governments. It reverses the current National Labor Relations Board position treating tribal governments and businesses as regular employers subject to union organizing and collective bargaining rules. The bill also adds legal definitions for "Indian tribe," "Indian," and "Indian lands," including former reservation lands in Oklahoma.
Who does it affect?
Tribal governments, tribal-owned businesses like casinos and hotels, and their employees are affected. Private, non-tribal businesses are not affected.
Why does it matter?
Supporters say it respects tribal sovereignty by aligning tribal governments with other exempt sovereign governments. Critics say it could reduce legal protections and unionization rights for employees at tribal enterprises.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 27, 2025
- House committee
- House voteYou are here · Jan 16, 2026
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 393.