Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act
In Committee
Introduced:Dec 17, 2025
Primary Sponsor
John Curtis
R - UT
Cosponsors
0
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Native Americans
Summary
This bill would give the state of Utah civil jurisdiction over any lawsuits involving the Shivwits Band of Paiutes on the Shivwits' tribal lands. It would also establish that any contracts or agreements related to the Shivwits' lands fall under federal court jurisdiction.
Latest Action
Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill would give the state of Utah civil jurisdiction over any lawsuits involving the Shivwits Band of Paiutes on the Shivwits' tribal lands. It would also establish that any contracts or agreements related to the Shivwits' lands fall under federal court jurisdiction.
Last updated: 12/26/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act</strong></p><p>This bill confers legal jurisdiction to the State of Utah over certain civil cases involving the Shivwits Band of Paiutes. It also allows the tribe to lease its land held in trust. The tribe is located in southwestern Utah.</p><p>Specifically, the bill confers jurisdiction to the State of Utah over any civil cause of action (1) to which the Shivwits Band of Paiutes is a party, and (2) that arises on or within Indian lands. Under the bill, <em>Indian lands</em> are lands of the tribe that are (1) held in trust for the benefit of the tribe, or (2) subject to restrictions by the United States against alienation (i.e., sale or transfer).</p><p>Additionally, the bill specifies that any cause of action arising from any contract or agreement (including a lease) to which the tribe is party or that affects or arises on these Indian lands shall be deemed a civil cause of action. Therefore, this bill allows the tribe and third parties to resolve contract disputes in state court.</p><p>The bill also authorizes the tribe to lease its land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
The bill would give the state of Utah civil jurisdiction over lawsuits involving the Shivwits Band of Paiutes on their tribal lands.
It would establish that any contracts or agreements related to the Shivwits' lands fall under federal court jurisdiction.
The bill would not affect the Shivwits Band's sovereign immunity or their ability to waive it.
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it would change the legal jurisdiction over civil cases involving the Shivwits Band of Paiutes on their tribal lands. This could impact the Shivwits Band's ability to resolve civil disputes and negotiate contracts. The bill would not affect the tribe's sovereign immunity protections.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Native Americans
Related Subjects
Federal-Indian relations
Indian lands and resources rights
Jurisdiction and venue
Utah
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
1508, 119th Congress (2025). "Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-s-1508