How HR 5696 changes current law

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the Indian Land Consolidation Act to allow Indian tribes with self-governance realty programs to conduct appraisals without requiring Department of the Interior oversight, thereby streamlining the land acquisition process.

• 25 U.S.C. § 2218

  (h) Tribal Appraisals Under Self-Governance Realty Programs.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary-- (1) shall not require an appraisal prepared by or reviewed by the Department of the Interior for a conveyance or acquisition of trust or restricted land by an Indian tribe, if-- (A) the tribe is a party to a self-governance compact or contract under title I or title IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; (B) the tribe has assumed responsibility for realty or land management functions under such compact or contract, including the authority to conduct appraisals or valuations; (C) the land is located within the exterior boundaries of the tribe's reservation, or contiguous to lands already held in trust for the tribe; and (D) the appraisal conforms to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice; and (2) if the criteria described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (1) are met, shall accept appraisals or valuations conducted under the tribe's compacted program as sufficient to establish fair market value.

  This addition removes the requirement for Department of the Interior appraisals for tribes fulfilling specific conditions, allowing tribes more autonomy in land acquisition.