President Obama signs Pueblo land and leasing measures into law

Wednesday, January 5, 2011  

President Barack Obama signed two Pueblo bills into law on Tuesday.

H.R.4445, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Clarification Act, clarifies a land and jurisdiction issue at the Indian Pueblo Council Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which was placed in trust by act of Congress in 1976. The bill addresses a state administrative decision [DOC] that forces businesses at the center to pay state taxes.

The bill clarifies that the land where the center is located is considered Indian Country, so state taxes won't apply. The bill also says the land cannot be used for gaming.

The All Indian Pueblo Council, which represents 19 Pueblo tribes in New Mexico, owns and operates the center.

The other bill is S.3903. It authorizes Ohkay Owingeh to enter into 99-year leases, beyond the standard 25-year limit

Other tribes have the authority to enter into 99-year leases.