An Arkansas legislative committee on Thursday rejected a proposed study of tribes in the state.

The proposal could have led to state recognition of tribes. Currently, Arkansas doesn't recognize any Indian entities.

The Lost Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri wants to gain state and federal recognition. The group is not considered legitimate by the recognized Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

In rejecting the study, some lawmakers worried that state recognition would lead to gaming and tax-free tobacco, The Arkansas News Bureau reported.

Get the Story:
Gambling fears doom tribal effort (AP 10/21)
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Legislative panel rejects private club proposal [see bottom of story] (The Arkansas News Bureau 10/21)

Relevant Links:
Lost Cherokee of Arkansas and Missouri - http://www.lostcherokee.com

Related Stories:
'Lost' Cherokee group wants federal recognition (12/17)
Cherokee group seeks recognition in own state (01/31)
'Lost' Cherokee tribe seeks federal recognition (1/28)