25 USC 81 - Contracts and agreements with Indian tribes

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 81.

Contracts and agreements with Indian tribes

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

The term “Indian lands” means lands the title to which is held by the United States in trust for an Indian tribe or lands the title to which is held by an Indian tribe subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation.

(2)

The term “Indian tribe” has the meaning given that term in section 5304(e) of this title.

(3)

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.

(b)

Approval

(c)

Exception

(d)

Unapproved agreements

The Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary) shall refuse to approve an agreement or contract that is covered under subsection (b) if the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary) determines that the agreement or contract—

(1)

violates Federal law; or

(2)

does not include a provision that—

(A)

provides for remedies in the case of a breach of the agreement or contract;

(B)

references a tribal code, ordinance, or ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction that discloses the right of the Indian tribe to assert sovereign immunity as a defense in an action brought against the Indian tribe; or

(C)

includes an express waiver of the right of the Indian tribe to assert sovereign immunity as a defense in an action brought against the Indian tribe (including a waiver that limits the nature of relief that may be provided or the jurisdiction of a court with respect to such an action).

(e)

Regulations

(f)

Construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to—

(1)

require the Secretary to approve a contract for legal services by an attorney;

(2)

amend or repeal the authority of the National Indian Gaming Commission under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.); or

(3)

alter or amend any ordinance, resolution, or charter of an Indian tribe that requires approval by the Secretary of any action by that Indian tribe.

(R.S. § 2103; Pub. L. 85–770, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 927; Pub. L. 106–179, § 2, Mar. 14, 2000, 114 Stat. 46.)

cite as: 25 USC 81