Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act

# Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would transfer approximately 72 acres of federally-owned forest land in Washington State from the U.S. Forest Service to the Department of the Interior, which would then hold the land in trust for the Quinault Indian Nation. Once transferred, the land would officially become part of the tribe's reservation. The bill specifically prohibits gaming (casinos or gambling operations) on the transferred land. **Who It Affects:** The primary beneficiary would be the Quinault Indian Nation, a federally recognized Native American tribe in Washington State.

The bill also affects the U.S. Forest Service (losing management of the land) and the Department of the Interior (gaining management responsibilities). Residents and stakeholders in the affected Washington region could experience changes in how the land is managed and used. **Key Provision:** An important requirement states that the Department of the Interior must disclose any hazardous substances or pollutants found on the land before taking it into trust—however, the federal government is not obligated to clean up any contamination that is discovered. **Current Status:** The bill (S. 1514) is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.