A bill to amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.

Senate Bill

S. 612

119th Congress

A bill to amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 72.

Introduced:Feb 18, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Brian Schatz

D - HI

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Native Americans

Summary

This bill authorizes grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations for recreational travel and tourism activities. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, and other federal agencies can make these grants and enter agreements.

Latest Action

Held at the desk.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill authorizes grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations for recreational travel and tourism activities. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, and other federal agencies can make these grants and enter agreements.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This bill authorizes grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations for activities related to recreational travel and tourism.</p> <p>Specifically, the bill authorizes (1) the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make these grants to and enter into agreements with Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (2) the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations to make these grants to and enter into agreements with Native Hawaiian organizations; and (3) other federal agencies to make these grants to and enter into agreements with tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Authorizes grants for Native American tourism development
Bureau of Indian Affairs can make grants to tribes
Office of Native Hawaiian Relations can fund Native Hawaiian orgs
Other federal agencies can provide tourism grants
Supports recreational travel and tourism on tribal lands

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations could develop tourism programs and attractions with federal support. This could create economic opportunities and help share Indigenous cultures with visitors.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Native Americans

Related Subjects

Alaska Natives and Hawaiians

Federal-Indian relations

Indian social and development programs

Travel and tourism

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

612, 119th Congress (2025). "A bill to amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-612