Senate bill would free Catawba Indian Nation to set its own membership rules

What does this do?

S 3859 amends a 1993 federal law that resolved land disputes involving the Catawba Indian Nation of South Carolina. That law required tribal membership applicants to be direct descendants of someone on an original membership list and to have maintained ongoing political ties to the tribe. This bill removes both of those conditions from federal law.

Who does it affect?

The Catawba Indian Nation, a federally recognized tribe based in South Carolina, would gain authority to set its own membership criteria. Individuals who have been blocked from enrolling under the current requirements are also directly affected.

Why does it matter?

Removing the restrictions would bring the 1993 law closer to the general principle that tribes have the right to determine their own membership. The tribe would have more control over enrollment decisions going forward, without those two conditions being fixed in federal statute.

Where does it stand?