The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Lands Act introduced in November doesn’t have anything to do with expanding gambling in Alabama, according to U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile).
The bill “reaffirms” the applicability of the Indian Reorganization Act to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. It also says that all lands taken into trust by the United States for the benefit of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians before June 18, 1934, are reaffirmed as trust land.
Eric Johnston, an attorney with the Southeast Law Institute in Birmingham, wrote in an op-ed last week that if the bill becomes law, gambling in Alabama will expand.
“If HR 6180 becomes law, and gambling interests are successful in amending the Alabama Constitution to allow gambling, with related enabling legislation, the Poarch Indians will be able to expand their gambling operations to all of their lands in Alabama. It is, therefore, important that HR 6180 not become law,” Johnston said.
Carl, the bill’s sponsor, said in a statement to 1819 News on Tuesday, “The sole purpose of my bill, HR 6180 — The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Act, is to update the Indian Reorganization Act to ensure Poarch Creek’s land taken into trust is treated the same under federal law as the sovereign lands of most other federally recognized Indian tribes."
"Poarch Creek has invested into dozens of businesses all over Alabama and the world, including real estate, agriculture, education, health care, entertainment, and so much more. This continued investment has created thousands of jobs and revitalized so many communities and families," he added.
Carl continued, “I introduced my bill to ensure the Poarch Creek have a fair playing field so they can continue to do this work and further grow their impact. My bill has absolutely nothing to do with gaming, does not change a single law regarding gaming in Alabama, and does not change the federal oversight process for Indian Gaming. The federal government regulates Indian Gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, National Indian Gaming Commission regulations, and an entire review process by the U.S. Department of the Interior. I look forward to continuing the necessary work to keep this bill moving forward."
The bill is currently in a House subcommittee after a hearing in June. Other Alabama co-sponsors of the bill include U.S. Reps. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), Mike Rogers (R-Saks) and Dale Strong (R-Monrovia).
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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