Lumbee Fairness Act

The Lumbee Fairness Act (S 521) would extend full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, making the tribe and its members eligible for all federal services and benefits available to other federally recognized tribes, such as healthcare, housing, and education programs. It designates Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties in North Carolina as the service area for these benefits, treating tribal members in these counties as if living on a reservation. The bill authorizes the federal government to take land into trust for the tribe and sets procedures for verifying tribal membership using the tribe’s 2001 constitution. Additionally, it clarifies that North Carolina retains general jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters on tribal lands, with potential future transfers of jurisdiction after a two-year period.