2024 Federal Register Documents
Last reviewed: December 18, 2024
Recently Added Content:
FINAL RULE
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(12/18/24)
Clean Water Act Section 404 Tribal and State Assumption Program
89 FR 103454
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is finalizing the Agency's first comprehensive revisions to the regulations governing Clean Water Act (CWA) section 404 Tribal and State programs since 1988. The primary purpose of the revisions is to respond to longstanding requests from Tribes and States to clarify the requirements and processes for the assumption and administration of a CWA section 404 permitting program for discharges of dredged and fill material. The revisions facilitate Tribal and State assumption and administration of CWA section 404, consistent with the policy of the CWA as described in section 101(b), by making the procedures and substantive requirements for assumption transparent and straightforward. It clarifies the minimum requirements for Tribal and State programs while ensuring flexibility to accommodate individual Tribal and State needs. In addition, the final rule clarifies the criminal negligence standard in the CWA section 404 program, as well as making a corresponding change in the section 402 program. Finally, the final rule makes technical revisions, including removing outdated references associated with the section 404 Tribal and State program regulations.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(12/13/24)
Land Acquisitions; Prairie Island Indian Community, Elk Run Site, City of Pine Island, Olmstead County, Minnesota
89 FR 101036
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire in trust 397.77 acres, more or less, of land known as the Elk Run Site in the City of Pine Island, Olmstead County, Minnesota for gaming and other purposes.
PROCLAMATION 10870
A Presidential Document by the Executive Office of the President.
(12/12/24)
Establishment of the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument
89 FR 100289
Older Documents:
December
FINAL RULE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(12/11/24)
Self-Governance PROGRESS Act Regulations
89 FR 100228
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Interior (Department), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, is issuing revisions to the regulations that implement Tribal Self-Governance, as authorized by title IV of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act. This final rule has been negotiated among representatives of Self-Governance and non-Self Governance Tribes and the Department.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(12/11/24)
Receipt of Documented Petition for Federal Acknowledgment as an American Indian Tribe
89 FR 99903
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the group known as the Tuskarora Nation of Moratoc Indians has filed a documented petition for Federal acknowledgment as an American Indian Tribe with the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs. The Department seeks comment and evidence from the public on the petition.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(12/11/24)
Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs
89 FR 99899
SUMMARY: This notice publishes the current list of 574 Tribal entities recognized by and eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) by virtue of their status as Indian Tribes.
PUBLIC LAND ORDER
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(12/10/24)
Public Land Order No. 7953; Withdrawal Revocation; Restoration of Public Lands; Transfer Into Trust; Nevada
89 FR 99272
SUMMARY: This order revokes in part a withdrawal created by a Secretary's Order dated November 26, 1906, which withdrew all lands within one mile of the high-water mark of Walker Lake in Mineral County, Nevada and reserved them for the Bureau of Reclamation's Truckee-Carson Project. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) no longer needs 109.60 acres for project purposes. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has evaluated the lands and determined they are suitable for return to the public domain. In addition, this order permanently withdraws and transfers 69.60 of the 109.60 acres, as well as 103.65 acres of other public lands, as an addition to the Walker River Indian Reservation under the authority of the Act of June 22, 1936.
FINAL RULE
Children's Bureau (CB), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(12/5/24)
Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System
89 FR 96569
SUMMARY: This rule finalizes revisions to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations proposed on February 23, 2024. This final rule requires state title IV-E agencies to collect and report to ACF additional data related to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) for children in the AFCARS Out-of-Home Care Reporting Population.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(12/4/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 96266
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands to Sealaska Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended.
November
NOTICE OF RESERVATION PROCLAMATION
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(11/29/24)
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma
89 FR 94756
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 79.21 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe, Oklahoma.
FINAL RULE WITH COMMENT PERIOD
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(11/27/24)
Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs, Including the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program; Health and Safety Standards for Obstetrical Services in Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals; Prior Authorization; Requests for Information; Medicaid and CHIP Continuous Eligibility; Medicaid Clinic Services Four Walls Exceptions; Individuals Currently or Formerly in Custody of Penal Authorities; Revision to Medicare Special Enrollment Period for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals; and All-Inclusive Rate Add-On Payment for High-Cost Drugs Provided by Indian Health Service and Tribal Facilities
89 FR 93912
SUMMARY: This final rule with comment period revises the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system for calendar year 2025 based on our continuing experience with these systems. We describe the changes to the amounts and factors used to determine the payment rates for Medicare services paid under the OPPS and those paid under the ASC payment system. Also, this final rule updates the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program, Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting Program, Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting Program, and Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program. We also summarize information received in response to a Request for Information on potential modifications to the Safety of Care measure group in the Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating methodology. In this final rule, we are also finalizing our proposal to narrow the description of “custody” in the Medicare payment exclusion rule and to revise the special enrollment period criteria for formerly incarcerated individuals. We are also finalizing our Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) continuous eligibility provisions. We are also finalizing the proposal to reduce the review timeframe for standard prior authorization requests for certain covered outpatient department services paid under the OPPS from 10-business days to 7-calendar days. Further, this rule finalizes updates to the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) in an effort to advance the health and safety of pregnant, birthing, and postpartum women. This rule also finalizes our proposed policy to separately pay Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal hospitals for high-cost drugs furnished in hospital outpatient departments through an add-on payment in addition to the all-inclusive rate (AIR) under the authorities used to calculate the AIR starting January 1, 2025. Finally, we are finalizing exceptions to the Medicaid clinic services four walls requirement for IHS and Tribal clinics, and, at state option, for behavioral health clinics and clinics located in rural areas.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(11/27/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 93649
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Chickaloon Moose Creek Native Association, Inc. for the Native village of Chickaloon, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The subsurface estate in the same lands will be conveyed to Cook Inlet Region, Inc. when the surface estate is conveyed to Chickaloon Moose Creek Native Association, Inc.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(11/26/24)
Acceptance of Retrocession of Jurisdiction for the Skokomish Nation
89 FR 93336
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) has accepted retrocession to the United States of partial criminal jurisdiction over the Skokomish Nation from the State of Washington.
NOTICE OF OFFICIAL FILING
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(11/21/24)
Filing of Plats of Survey: Alaska
89 FR 92157
SUMMARY: The plats of survey of lands described in this notice are scheduled to be officially filed in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Alaska State Office, Anchorage, Alaska. The surveys, which were executed at the request of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the BLM, are necessary for the management of these lands.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(11/21/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 92156
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands to Chugach Alaska Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(11/21/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 92154
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation for the Native village of Kotzebue, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The subsurface estate in the same lands will be conveyed to NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., when the surface estate is conveyed to Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation.
PUBLIC LAND ORDER
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(11/21/24)
Public Land Order No. 7952; Partial Revocation of Public Land Order Nos. 5169, 5173, 5179, 5180, 5184, 5186, 5188, and 5242, as Amended, Modified, or Corrected, and Opening of Additional Lands for Selection by Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans; Alaska
89 FR 92146
SUMMARY: This order partially revokes eight Public Land Orders (PLOs) insofar as they affect approximately 11,163,252 acres of public lands in the Central Yukon area of Alaska and opens these lands to allow for allotment selection by eligible Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans and possible conveyance under the Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Land Allotment Program (Allotment Program) established by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019 (Dingell Act).
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(11/21/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 92145
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Koliganek Natives Limited, for the Native village of Koliganek, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The subsurface estate in the same lands will be conveyed to Bristol Bay Native Corporation when the surface estate is conveyed to Koliganek Natives Limited.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING (ANPRM)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(11/19/24)
N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its Transformation Product, 6PPD-quinone; Regulatory Investigation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
89 FR 91299
SUMMARY: In granting a petition filed under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by Earthjustice on behalf of the Yurok Tribe, the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) committed to pursuing an action to solicit and collect information from the public on the potential risks associated with N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) (CASRN 793-24-8, DTXSID 9025114) and its transformation product, 6PPD-quinone (CASRN 2754428-18-5, DTXSID 301034849). With this document, EPA is soliciting that information, along with information about potential alternatives and regulatory options to help inform the Agency's consideration of potential future regulatory actions under TSCA.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(11/18/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 90733
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Calista Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended. Ownership of the subsurface estate will be retained by the United States.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(11/18/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 90733
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Beaver Kwit'chin Corporation for the Native village of Beaver, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The subsurface estate in the same lands will be conveyed to Doyon, Limited, when the surface estate is conveyed to Beaver Kwit'chin Corporation.
FINAL RULE
Office of Child Care (OCC), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(11/18/24)
Increase Flexibility for Tribes in Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Eligibility
89 FR 90605
SUMMARY: This final rule amends the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations to provide all Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations operating CCDF programs the flexibility, at their discretion, to establish and use eligibility criteria regardless of family income or assets.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(11/14/24)
Land Acquisitions; Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico, & Utah, Lower Highway 89 Project, Coconino County, Arizona
89 FR 90036
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire in trust 13.79 acres, more or less, of land consisting of three parcels, known as the Lower Highway 89 Project, in Coconino County, Arizona, for the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico, & Utah for gaming and other purposes.
NOTICE OF RESERVATION PROCLAMATION
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(11/13/24)
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for Lower Elwha Tribal Community
89 FR 89655
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 61.36 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of the Lower Elwha Tribal Community.
NOTICE OF RESERVATION PROCLAMATION
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(11/12/24)
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
89 FR 89026
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 68.17 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.
NOTICE
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
(11/8/24)
Notice of Approval of Exemption for Indigenous-Knowledge Informed Activities by Native Hawaiian Organizations
89 FR 88791
SUMMARY: The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) has approved an exemption that would relieve Federal agencies from the historic preservation review requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act regarding the effects of various undertakings in Hawaii that are proposed or directed by a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO), or substantially led, designed, or managed by an NHO, informed by Indigenous Knowledge of that NHO, and related to traditional cultural practices of Native Hawaiians.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(11/5/24)
Receipt of Documented Petition for Federal Acknowledgment as an American Indian Tribe
89 FR 87887
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the group known as the Salinan Tribe of Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties has filed a documented petition for Federal acknowledgment as an American Indian Tribe with the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. The Department seeks comment and evidence from the public on the petition.
NOTICE
Office of Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, HUD.
(11/5/24)
Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Membership
89 FR 87886
SUMMARY: This notice announces the list of Committee Members of HUD's Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (TIAC) starting in January 2025. The committee will perform several advisory functions while it considers HUD policies that affect Indian Country. HUD will publish a subsequent notice with details of any scheduled TIAC meeting.
PROCLAMATION 10853
A Presidential Document by the Executive Office of the President.
(11/5/24)
National Native American Heritage Month, 2024
89 FR 87777
October
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS
Administration for Native Americans, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(10/30/24)
Proposed Information Collection Activity; Administration for Native Americans Project Outcome Assessment Survey (Office of Management and Budget #: 0970-0379)
89 FR 86342
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting a 3-year extension of the Administration for Native Americans Project Outcome Assessment Survey (OMB #: 0970-0379, expiration 6/30/2025). The survey was revised based on a review by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) and feedback from grantees, which identified some data elements that could be eliminated and areas that could be clarified.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(10/28/24)
Receipt of Documented Petition for Federal Acknowledgment as an American Indian Tribe
89 FR 85555
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the group known as the Tripanick Nansemond Family Indian Tribe has filed a documented petition for Federal acknowledgment as an American Indian Tribe with the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. The Department seeks comment and evidence from the public on the petition.
PROPOSED RULE
Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Interior.
(10/25/24)
Tribal Request for Reconsideration Hearing
89 FR 85078
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) proposes new regulations that provide a framework to prevent the export for sale in foreign countries of Native American cultural items that are held in violation of current Federal laws; to repatriate such items from individuals and organizations having such items; and to improve coordination among Federal agencies, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations seeking to prevent the export and sale, and support the repatriation, of such items. The proposed rule would establish an export certification system, set forth procedures for detention and repatriation of items subject to the rule, establish a framework for voluntary return of items subject to the rule, and establish interagency and Native working groups.
NOTICE OF FOMRAL TRIBAL CONSULTATION
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.
(10/24/24)
Tribal Consultation on Opportunities and Access to Registered Apprenticeship and for Competitive Grants
89 FR 84933
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Memorandum of Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation issued on November 30, 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL or the Department) announces a formal Tribal Consultation. The Tribal Consultation will be convened by DOL's Employment and Training Administration (ETA), specifically the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) and the Office of Workforce Investment (OWI), to discuss opportunities and access to registered apprenticeship programs for federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations (Tribal Nations) and ETA grants to Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations, and to invite feedback on proposed guidance that will provide guidance for Tribal Nations seeking to register apprenticeship programs with the OA or a federally recognized State Apprenticeship Agency. DOL also announces an optional pre-consultation webinar. This optional webinar will offer Tribal Nation leaders or their proxies an overview of OA and OWI programming, as well as time to answer technical questions on the areas relevant to the Tribal Consultation to help prepare for a substantive discussion in the Tribal Consultation.
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION HEARING
Office of Child Care; Administration for Children and Families; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(10/23/24)
Tribal Request for Reconsideration Hearing
89 FR 84608
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given to the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada (ITCN) and interested parties of a reconsideration hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to reconsider the decision of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Child Care (OCC) regarding revision to the FY2023-2025 triennial child count submitted by the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada (ITCN) as part of their triennial plan, submitted on July 1, 2022. Because the child count was submitted as part of ITCN's FY2023-205 triennial plan, ITCN is entitled to request reconsideration to determine “whether such Plan or amendment conforms to the requirements for approval under the Act and pertinent Federal regulations.” The sole issue to be reconsidered is OCC's decision to reduce ITCN's child count.
INSEASON REAPPORTIONMENT OF TRIBAL PACIFIC WHITING ALLOCATION
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
(10/22/24)
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2024 Tribal Fishery Allocations for Pacific Whiting; Reapportionment Between Tribal and Non-Tribal Sectors
89 FR 84302
SUMMARY: This document announces the reapportionment of 45,000 metric tons of Pacific whiting from the tribal allocation to the non-tribal commercial fishery sectors via automatic action on September 26, 2024. This reapportionment is to allow full utilization of the Pacific whiting resource.
NOTICE
Office of Public and Indian Housing, HUD.
(10/21/24)
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application for the Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages; OMB Control No.: 2577-0191
89 FR 84184
SUMMARY: HUD is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD is requesting comment from all interested parties on the proposed collection of information. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment.
FINAL RULE
Forest Service, Agriculture; Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
(10/17/24)
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-Subpart B, Federal Subsistence Board Membership
89 FR 83622
SUMMARY: Based on requests during joint consultations with Alaska Native Tribes and others, the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture (Departments) revise the regulations concerning the composition of the Federal Subsistence Board (Board), which has authority to administer the subsistence taking and uses of fish and wildlife on public lands in Alaska, subject to the Department's oversight. The Departments add three public members nominated or recommended by federally recognized Tribal governments, require that those nominees have certain knowledge and experience, define requirements used to select the Board Chair, and affirm the Secretaries' authority to replace Board members and the Secretaries' responsibility and oversight regarding Board decisions. These regulatory revisions are responsive to the primary requests made to the Departments during the consultations.
RENEWAL OF EXISTING INFORMATION COLLECTION; REQUEST FOR COMMENT
Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
(10/17/24)
Information Collection: Tribal Participation in the Advance Notification Program
89 FR 83707
SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) invites public comment on the renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an existing collection of information. The information collection is entitled, “Tribal Participation in the Advance Notification Program.”
PROCLAMATION 10839
A Presidential Document by the Executive Office of the President.
(10/11/24)
Indigenous Peoples' Day, 2024
89 FR 83605
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.
(10/9/24)
Entities Wholly Owned by Indian Tribal Governments
89 FR 81871
SUMMARY: This document contains proposed regulations regarding the Federal tax classification of entities wholly owned by Indian Tribal governments (Tribes). The proposed regulations would provide that entities that are wholly owned by Tribes and organized or incorporated exclusively under the laws of the Tribes that own them generally are not recognized as separate entities for Federal tax purposes. The proposed regulations would also provide that, for purposes of making certain elective payment elections (including determining eligibility for and the consequences of such elections) for certain energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, these entities and certain Tribal corporations chartered by the Department of the Interior (DOI) are treated as an instrumentality of one or more Indian Tribal governments or subdivisions thereof. This document also requests comments and provides notice of a public hearing on the proposed regulations that will be in addition to Tribal consultation on the proposed regulations.
INTERIM FINAL RULE WITH COMMENT PERIOD
Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, Office of Grants, HHS.
(10/2/24)
Health and Human Services Adoption of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
89 FR 80055
SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) adopts with this rule OMB's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, to include 12 existing HHS-specific modifications. This rule also repeals HHS' existing regulations governing the administration of HHS financial assistance awards. The existing HHS-specific modifications are described in the rule's preamble. Additionally, the rule will correct citations throughout all relevant HHS regulations.
September
NOTICE OF TRIBAL CONSULTATION
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy.
(9/26/24)
Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy; Notice of Tribal Consultation
89 FR 78859
FINAL RULE
Department of Veterans Affairs.
(9/25/24)
Expanded Burial Benefits
89 FR 78251
SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its adjudication regulations pertaining to burial benefits to conform to statutory changes enacted by the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 and the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022. The conforming regulatory changes implement an expansion of the transportation benefit and provision of a single payment rate for non-service-connected burial allowances regardless of the location of a qualifying Veteran's death and coincide with the effective date for the statutory amendments (January 5, 2023). The conforming regulatory changes also implement the extension of the VA plot or interment allowance to Tribal organizations for interment of eligible Veterans on trust land owned by, or held in trust for, the Tribal organization and coincide with the effective date for the statutory amendments (March 15, 2022). VA also provides additional clarifying changes to its burial benefits regulations.
PROCLAMATION 10816
A Presidential Document by the Executive Office of the President.
(9/25/24)
Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week, 2024
89 FR 78199
PROPOSED RULE
Federal Communications Commission.
(9/17/24)
Establishing a 5G Fund for Rural America
89 FR 76016
SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) seeks comment on whether to require a winning bidder in the 5G Fund Phase I auction to demonstrate during the long-form application process that it has obtained the consent of the relevant Tribal government(s) for any necessary access to deploy network facilities using its 5G Fund support on Tribal lands within the area(s) of its winning bid(s).
PROPOSED RULE
Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury.
(9/17/24)
Tribal General Welfare Benefits
89 FR 75990
SUMMARY: This document contains proposed regulations regarding the exclusion from gross income of certain Tribal general welfare benefits. The proposed regulations address the requirements that would apply to determine whether the benefits that an Indian Tribal government program provides qualify as Tribal general welfare benefits. These proposed regulations would affect Indian Tribal governments, agencies or instrumentalities of such governments, Federally-recognized Tribes, members of such Tribes, such members' spouses and dependents, and other Tribal program participants. This document also requests comments on certain provisions and provides a notice of a public hearing on the proposed regulations that will be in addition to Tribal consultation on the proposed regulations.
PROPOSED RULE
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy.
(9/12/24)
Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy; Notice of Petition for Rulemaking and Intent To Hold Tribal Consultation Meetings
89 FR 74161
SUMMARY: Take notice that, on August 9, 2024, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, pursuant to Rule 207(a)(4) of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (Commission) Rules of Practice and Procedure, filed a petition requesting that the Commission conduct an expedited rulemaking to revise the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Procedures (LGIP) to defer the time at which certain tribal energy developers must post commercial readiness deposits and exempt them from potential withdrawal penalties. The Commission intends to conduct Tribal consultation per the Commission's Policy Statement on Consultation with Indian Tribes in Commission Proceedings, Order No. 635. The Commission will issue a future notice with further details.
NOTICE OF MEETING AND SOLICITATION FOR WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS
Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
(9/9/24)
Announcement of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Meeting and Solicitation for Oral and Written Comments Regarding Activities To Support the Advancement of Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities
89 FR 73100
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the tenth public meeting of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (Commission) and the solicitation of written and oral comment regarding the advancement of equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in Washington, District of Columbia. Virtual attendance will be available through livestream on September 23, 2024. The Commission will also host an in-person, public listening session on September 26, 2024, at the U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters Building in Washington, District of Columbia. The Commission is working to accomplish its mission to provide independent advice and recommendations to the President on ways to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.
NOTICE OF DECISION IDENTIFYING EASEMENTS TO BE RESERVED TO THE UNITED STATES
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(9/6/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 72889
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision to Sealaska Corporation. The decision identifies easements for reservation to the United States pursuant to sec. 17(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA).
NOTIFICATION OF TRIBAL CONSULTATION MEEITNG; REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
U.S. Small Business Administration.
(9/6/24)
Tribal Consultation for HUBZone Program Updates and Clarifications and Potential Reforms
89 FR 72763
SUMMARY: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA or Agency) announces that it is holding a Tribal consultation meeting in Washington, DC, concerning forthcoming proposed revisions to the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program regulations. The proposed rule would amend the 8(a) Business Development (BD) and size regulations to clarify certain policies. Additionally, SBA requests comments and input on how best to implement the Executive order entitled “Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations To Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination,” which, among other things, calls on agencies to increase the accessibility, equity, flexibility, and utility of Federal funding and support programs for Tribal Nations. SBA is also seeking comments on prospective policy changes addressing joint venture participation in SBA's programs. Testimony presented at this Tribal consultation will become part of the administrative record for SBA's consideration when the Agency deliberates on approaches to changes in the HUBZone and 8(a) BD program regulations.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(9/5/24)
Land Acquisitions; Jamul Indian Village of California
89 FR 72419
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire 4.23 acres, more or less, of land in trust for the Jamul Indian Village of California.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(9/5/24)
Land Acquisitions; Jamul Indian Village of California
89 FR 72419
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire .838 acres, more or less, of land in trust for the Jamul Indian Village of California.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(9/5/24)
Land Acquisitions; Mesa Grande Band of Diegueno Mission Indians of the Mesa Grande Reservation, California
89 FR 72415
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire 480.46 acres, more or less, of land in trust for the Mesa Grande Band of Diegueno Mission Indians of the Mesa Grande Reservation, California.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS
Early Childhood Development, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(9/4/24)
Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program: Guidance for Submitting an Annual Report to the Secretary (Office of Management and Budget#: 0970-0409)
89 FR 71906
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Early Childhood Development (ECD) is requesting revisions to the Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program: Guidance for Submitting Reports (Office of Management and Budget (OMB) #: 0970-0409; expiration 3/31/2026) and a three-year extension of approval.
August
FINAL RULE
Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(8/30/24)
Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund
89 FR 70527
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS or Service) administers the Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund (CHEF) pursuant to section 202 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). The purpose of the CHEF is to meet the extraordinary medical costs associated with the treatment of victims of disasters or catastrophic illnesses who are within the responsibility of the Service. This document finalizes the regulations governing the administration of the CHEF, with clarifying edits, and responds to comments received on the proposed rule.
PUBLIC LAND ORDER
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(8/29/24)
Public Land Order No. 7947; Rescission of Public Land Order Nos. 7899, 7900, 7901, 7902, and 7903; Alaska.
89 FR 70204
SUMMARY: This Order rescinds Public Land Order Nos. 7899 (see 86 FR 5236), and 7900, 7901, 7902, and 7903 (unpublished), which purported to revoke Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) 17(d)(1) withdrawals affecting approximately 28 million acres of public lands within the Bay, Bering Sea-Western Interior, East Alaska, Kobuk-Seward Peninsula, and Ring of Fire planning areas.
NOTICE OF A MODIFIED SYSTEM OF RECORDS
Bureau of Trust Funds Administration, Interior.
(8/26/24)
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
89 FR 68462
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the Department of the Interior (DOI, Department) proposes to modify the INTERIOR/OS-03, The Box Index Search System (BISS), system of records. The Department is updating this system of records notice (SORN) to establish the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration, formerly the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (OST), as the new responsible organization, propose new and modified routine uses, and update all other sections of the system notice to accurately reflect management of the system in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) policy. This modified system will be included in DOI's inventory of systems of records.
NOTICE OF RESERVATION PROCLAMATION
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(8/22/24)
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan
89 FR 67959
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 37.61 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan.
FINAL RULE
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture.
(8/14/24)
Tribe or Tribal Organization Sponsor Option for Watershed Projects
89 FR 65989
SUMMARY: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is amending its regulations for watershed projects to allow Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations to sponsor needed watershed projects. While federally recognized Tribes generally maintain regulatory jurisdiction over their land and can therefore exert eminent domain, Alaska Native Corporations and Tribal organizations do not have eminent domain authority, which has been one of the requirements to be a watershed project sponsor. This rule change will provide an option to better allow federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, or Tribal organizations to become watershed project sponsors.
NOTICE OF RENEWAL OF CHARTER
Office on Violence Against Women, United States Department of Justice.
(8/9/24)
Notice of Reestablishment of the Charter of the Task Force on Research on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women
89 FR 65399
SUMMARY: The charter of the Task Force on Research on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women (hereinafter “the Task Force”) has been reestablished.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(8/9/24)
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
89 FR 65384
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns or has an interest in irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We are notifying you that we have adjusted the irrigation assessment rates at several of our irrigation projects and facilities to reflect current costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
FINAL RULE; NOTICE OF DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY; TECHNICAL AMENDMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(8/9/24)
Announcement of the Delegation of Partial Administrative Authority for the Southern Ute Indian Reservation to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for Implementation of the Clean Air Act Federal Minor New Source Review Program in Indian Country and the Indian Country Minor Source Oil and Gas Federal Implementation Plan
89 FR 65212
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to announce that on June 11, 2024, EPA Region 8 and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (SUIT) entered into an Agreement for Delegation of Partial Administrative Authority to assist the EPA in administering the following two federal Clean Air Act (CAA) programs within the SUIT Reservation: the Federal Minor New Source Review Program in Indian country (EPA Indian country MNSR Program) and the Federal Implementation Plan for Managing Air Emissions from True Minor Sources in Indian Country in the Oil and Natural Gas Production and Oil and Natural Gas Processing Segments of the Oil and Natural Gas Sector (EPA Indian country Minor Source Oil and Gas FIP). Notice of this partial delegation is being added to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The EPA is taking this action pursuant to the CAA.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(8/7/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 64479
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands to Doyon, Limited, an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended.
FINAL RULE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(8/7/24)
Temporary Closure and Restriction Orders
89 FR 64383
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is revising its regulations to modernize and streamline how the agency notifies the public of temporary closure and restriction orders; clarify that such orders may be issued to avoid conflicts among public land users and ensure the privacy of Tribal activities for traditional or cultural use; require that all orders specify the date and time that a temporary closure or restriction becomes effective and terminates; and harmonize the penalties for violating temporary closure and restriction orders consistent with current statutory authority.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(8/2/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 63216
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management hereby provides constructive notice that the decision approving lands for conveyance to Cook Inlet Region, Inc., notice of which was published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2024, will be modified by removing the Remaining Obligation Entitlement account balance figure, and correcting the appraised value of the lands approved in the decision.
July
FINAL NOTICE
Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services.
(7/30/24)
Organization, Functions, And Delegations of Authority; Part G, Office of Environmental Health and Engineering
89 FR 61126
SUMMARY: This Notice advises the public that the Indian Health Service (IHS) proposes Part G, of the Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as amended May 6, 2005, July 1, 2010, and November 5, 2014, and most recently as amended December 26, 2018 is hereby amended to reflect additions of Standard Administrative Codes to better reflect the structure of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Environmental Health and Engineering (OEHE), Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction (DSFC) program. The IHS is establishing these Standard Administrative Codes to improve granularity of the human resource data to allow better identification of Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) Program staff within the human resource data system. There will be no change in function or reporting relationships.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(7/29/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 60912
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Manokotak Natives Limited for the Native village of Manokotak, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The subsurface estate in the same lands will be conveyed to Bristol Bay Native Corporation when the surface estate is conveyed to Manokotak Natives Limited.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education.
(7/29/24)
Indian Education Discretionary Grant Programs; Professional Development Program
89 FR 60844
SUMMARY: The Secretary proposes to revise the regulations that govern the Professional Development program, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) number 84.299B, authorized under title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA), to establish priorities, requirements, and a definition for the program, including a priority for teacher retention projects.
MEETING NOTICE
National Park Service, Interior.
(7/25/24)
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee Notice of Public Meeting
89 FR 60450
SUMMARY: The National Park Service is hereby giving notice that the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Committee) will hold a virtual meeting as indicated below.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY; REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
National Park Service, Interior.
(7/25/24)
Notice of Availability and Request for Comments on Draft Director's Order #71C Concerning Consultation With Indian and Alaska Native Tribes
89 FR 60448
SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) has prepared Director's Order #71C to set forth its policies and procedures regarding consultation with Indian and Alaska Native Tribes. Once adopted, the policies and procedures in Director's Order #71C and its accompanying Reference Manual will supersede and replace any conflicting policies and procedures.
FINAL RULE
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
(7/23/24)
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Tribal Usual and Accustomed Fishing Areas
89 FR 59676
SUMMARY: This final rule implements the order in United States v. Washington that sets forth updated boundaries of the usual and accustomed (U&A) fishing areas of the Hoh Indian Tribe in the Pacific Ocean.
NOTIFICATION OF TRIBAL CONSULTATION MEETING; REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
U.S. Small Business Administration.
(7/22/24)
Tribal Consultation for HUBZone Program Updates and Clarifications and Potential Reforms Under Executive Order 14112
89 FR 59010
SUMMARY: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA or Agency) announces that it is holding tribal consultation meetings in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Anchorage, AK, as well as a Listening Session in Honolulu, Hawaii, concerning forthcoming proposed revisions to the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program regulations. The proposed rule would amend the 8(a) Business Development (BD) and size regulations to clarify certain policies. Additionally, SBA requests comments and input on how best to implement Executive Order (E.O.) 14112, which, among other things, calls on agencies to increase the accessibility, equity, flexibility, and utility of Federal funding and support programs for Tribal Nations. SBA is also seeking comments on prospective policy changes addressing joint venture participation in SBA's programs. Testimony presented at these tribal consultations will become part of the administrative record for SBA's consideration when the Agency deliberates on approaches to changes in the HUBZone and 8(a) BD program regulations.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(7/19/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 58753
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Belkofski Corporation for the Native village of Belkofski, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The subsurface estate in a portion of the lands will be conveyed to The Aleut Corporation when the surface estate is conveyed to Belkofski Corporation.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(7/19/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 58752
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands to Doyon, Limited, an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(7/19/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 58752
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Doyon, Limited, an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended. Ownership of the subsurface estate will be retained by the United States.
NOTICE OF RESERVATION PROCLAMATION
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(7/17/24)
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for Yavapai-Apache Nation
89 FR 58172
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 1308.67 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of Yavapai-Apache Nation.
NOTICE OF RESERVATION PROCLAMATION
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(7/17/24)
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota
89 FR 58171
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 2,099.29 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING
Office of Child Care (OCC), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(7/16/24)
Increase Flexibility for Tribes in Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Eligibility
89 FR 57835
SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families proposes to amend the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations through this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to allow all Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations operating CCDF programs, at their discretion, to establish and use eligibility criteria regardless of family income.
PROPOSED RULE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(7/15/24)
Self-Governance PROGRESS Act Regulations
89 FR 57524
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Interior (Department), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, proposes to revise the regulations that implement Tribal Self-Governance, as authorized by title IV of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act. This proposed rule has been negotiated among representatives of Self-Governance and non-Self Governance Tribes and the Department.
SECOND NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(7/12/24)
Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes
89 FR 57097
SUMMARY: The United States Department of the Interior (Department) seeks input on a proposal to create a conditional, time-limited opportunity for denied petitioners to re-petition for Federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe.
FINAL RULE
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
(7/12/24)
Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program
89 FR 57078
SUMMARY: This final rule amends the existing Tribal Transportation Program Bridge Program, formerly known as the Indian Reservation Road (IRR) Bridge Program, by renaming it the Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program (TTFBP) to comply with the changes made in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), carried on through the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, and the recent changes made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). It also removes references to terms such as structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, and sufficiency rating. These updates aligned the TTFBP terminology for bridge conditions with the terminology used for State departments of transportation (State DOT) in the Federal-aid highway program. This change established consistent terminology for classifying and referring to bridge conditions.
NOTICE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(7/8/24)
Notice of Proposed Withdrawal Revocation; Proposed Restoration of Public Lands; Proposed Transfer Into Trust; Nevada
89 FR 55976
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has submitted a notice of intent to relinquish its administration of certain lands withdrawn by Secretary's Order dated November 26, 1906, which withdrew all lands within one mile of the highwater mark of Walker Lake in Mineral County, Nevada. These lands are no longer needed by BOR for project purposes. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has evaluated the lands and determined the lands are suitable for restoration to the public domain. In addition, the Western Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), has requested that the Secretary of the Interior permanently withdraw and transfer some of these relinquished lands, as well as other existing public lands, as an addition to the Walker River Paiute Reservation under the authority of the Act of June 22, 1936. This notice advises the public of a 30-day opportunity to comment on the proposed withdrawal revocation, restoration of relinquished lands to the public domain, and withdrawal and transfer of public land into trust.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(7/8/24)
Land Acquisitions; Redding Rancheria, California, Strawberry Fields Site, Shasta County, California
89 FR 55974
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire 226.226 acres, more or less, of land in trust for the Redding Rancheria, California, (Tribe) for gaming and other purposes.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(7/8/24)
Land Acquisitions; Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, County Land Parcel, Kern County, California
89 FR 55973
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire in trust 20.03 acres, more or less, of land known as the County Land Parcel in Kern County, California, for the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe for gaming and other purposes.
NOTICE OF RESERVATION PROCLAMATION
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(7/8/24)
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
89 FR 55969
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 1073.41 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of Kootenai Tribe of Idaho.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(7/5/24)
Notice of Availability of the ANCSA 17(d)(1) Withdrawals Final Environmental Impact Statement, Alaska
89 FR 55654
SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the availability of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) 17(d)(1) Withdrawals Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The BLM held public meetings on the Draft EIS and subsistence-related hearings to receive comments on the Draft EIS and the project's potential to impact subsistence resources and activities. The Final EIS considers those comments.
June
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(6/28/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 54033
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Oscarville Native Corporation for the Native village of Oscarville, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The subsurface estate in the same lands will be conveyed to Calista Corporation when the surface estate is conveyed to Oscarville Native Corporation.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(6/28/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 54032
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands to Calista Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended.
NOTICE OF TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION TO LAND
Forest Service, USDA.
(6/28/24)
Chippewa National Forest; Minnesota; Transfer of Administrative Jurisdiction to Lands To Be Held in Trust by the United States for the Benefit of the Leech Lake Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Pursuant to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act
89 FR 53938
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act (Act), the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), with the publication of this Notice, transfers administrative jurisdiction to approximately 11,760 acres of land (Federal land), located in the Chippewa National Forest in Cass County, Minnesota, to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Leech Lake Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, referred to in the Act as the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (LLBO or Tribe). A table containing the legal descriptions of the lands to which administrative jurisdiction is hereby transferred, along with accompanying Exhibit A, identifying existing public roads, and Exhibit B, identifying existing Forest roads and a Forest trail that the Forest Service will continue to operate pursuant to the terms of reserved easement rights approved by the Tribe, are provided at the end of this notice.
FINAL RULE
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
(6/24/24)
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2024 Harvest Specifications for Pacific Whiting and 2024 Pacific Whiting Tribal Allocation
89 FR 52398
SUMMARY: This rule implements the domestic 2024 harvest specifications for Pacific whiting fisheries off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California (collectively, the West Coast), including the 2024 Tribal allocation for the Pacific whiting fishery, the non-Tribal sector allocations, and a set-aside for incidental mortality in research activities and non-groundfish fisheries. NMFS issues this final rule for the 2024 Pacific whiting fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006, and other applicable laws. These measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, achieve optimum yield, ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available, and provide for the implementation of Tribal treaty fishing rights.
FINAL RULE
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
(6/18/24)
Regulations Governing the Taking of Marine Mammals
89 FR 51600
SUMMARY: Following formal rulemaking proceedings including an on-the-record hearing before an administrative law judge, NMFS is waiving the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) moratorium on taking Eastern North Pacific (ENP) gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) to allow the Makah Indian Tribe to conduct a limited ceremonial and subsistence hunt of up to 25 ENP gray whales over a 10-year period in accordance with the Treaty of Neah Bay of 1855 and the quota first established by the International Whaling Commission in 1997. NMFS is also promulgating regulations to govern the issuance of hunt permits and the hunt itself.
FINAL RULE; DELAY OF EFFECTIVE DATE, ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPLIANCE DATES
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, HUD.
(6/14/24)
Strengthening the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program; Delay of Effective and Compliance Dates
89 FR 50523
SUMMARY: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published in the Federal Register on March 20, 2024, a final rule to strengthen its Section 184 Indian Loan Guarantee Program by, among other things, clarifying rules for Tribes, lenders, servicers, and other participants. The final rule established an effective date of June 18, 2024. To provide time for HUD to develop and implement a comprehensive handbook for the Section 184 Program and to allow Tribes, lenders, servicers, and other participants time to conform their policies, procedures, and systems to comply with HUD's March 20, 2024, final rule, this rulemaking delays that effective date to December 31, 2024, and establishes a compliance date of March 1, 2025.
FINAL RULE
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, HUD.
(6/12/24)
Certification of Tribal Housing Counselors
89 FR 49802
SUMMARY: HUD's Housing Counseling Program provides counseling to individuals seeking information about financing, maintaining, renting, or owning a home. Established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, entities and individual counselors that participate in the Housing Counseling Program are required to be certified by HUD as competent to provide counseling services. In 2016, HUD implemented such housing counselor certification requirements for most HUD programs but agreed to conduct consultation with Tribes before implementing them for Tribes. On January 26, 2023, HUD published a proposed rule that provides an alternative regulatory standard for the counselor certification that accounts for the unique status of Tribal land and housing programs in Indian country and recognizes the importance of Tribal expertise. After consulting with Tribes and considering public comments received in response to the proposed rule, this final rule adopts the proposed rule with minor changes.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT GUIDANCE REGARDING THE DESIGNTATION OF NEW REGIONAL OCEAN PARTNERSHIPS; REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
(6/11/24)
Notice of Availability of Draft Guidance on Designation of New Regional Ocean Partnerships
89 FR 49160
SUMMARY: Under the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA), Coastal States (including Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, and American Samoa), federally-recognized Indian Tribes (including Alaska native villages), and other entities may form new partnerships and apply to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (as delegated) for designation as a regional ocean partnership. Regional ocean partnerships coordinate the management of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. NOAA invites public comment on draft guidance on designating new regional ocean partnerships under the NDAA.
RESPONSES TO THE REQUEST FOR COMMENTS AND IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS
Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
(6/10/24)
Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program; Response to Comments
89 FR 48953
SUMMARY: This notice summarizes and responds to comments the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) received in response to an August 15, 2023, Federal Register notice, a September 25, 2023, in-person consultation session, and a November 2, 2023, virtual consultation session regarding how the FTA Tribal Transit competitive program and technical assistance should be provided to Tribes.
NOTICE OF MEETING AND SOLICITATION FOR WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS
Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
(6/6/24)
Announcement of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Meeting and Solicitation for Oral and Written Comments
89 FR 48435
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the ninth public meeting of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (Commission) and the solicitation of written and oral comment regarding the advancement of equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Virtual attendance will be available through livestream on July 1 and in-person attendance will be available on July 2, 2024. The Commission is working to accomplish its mission to provide independent advice and recommendations to the President on ways to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.
May
NOTICE OF MEETINGS
Office of Early Childhood Development (ECD), Office of Head Start (OHS), and Office of Child Care (OCC), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(5/29/24)
Tribal Consultation Meetings
89 FR 46402
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Head Start Act, notice is hereby given of one joint Tribal consultation session to be held between HHS/ACF ECD, OHS, and OCC leadership and the leadership of Tribal governments operating Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting; Tribal Child Care and Development Fund; and Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The purpose of this consultation session is to discuss ways to better meet the needs of Tribal children and their families and issues affecting the delivery of early childhood services in their geographic locations. The consultation will also provide an opportunity for discussion on the review and promulgation of Head Start Program Performance Standards, as required under the Head Start Act. To meet this legislative requirement, one Tribal consultation will be held as part of HHS/ACF or ACF Tribal consultation sessions.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(5/23/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 45673
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands to Bering Straits Native Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(5/23/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 45672
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands to NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(5/23/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 45672
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands to Bering Straits Native Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), as amended.
NOTICE
Office of the Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD or the Department).
(5/17/24)
Extension of Public Interest, General Applicability Tribal Consultation Waiver of Build America, Buy America Provisions as Applied to Tribal Recipients of HUD Federal Financial Assistance
89 FR 43424
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA or the Act), this notice advises that HUD is proposing an extension to the previously issued public interest, general applicability Tribal Consultation waiver until September 30, 2024 of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) Domestic Content Procurement Preference (the Buy America Preference or the BAP) as applied to Federal Financial Assistance (FFA) provided to Tribes, Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs), and other Tribal Entities (hereinafter collectively, Tribal Recipients). This proposed waiver extension is critical in keeping with the Federal Government's commitment to consult with Tribes and build Tribal capacity as established through Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, before applying the Buy America preference to programs that affect Tribal communities.
PROCLAMATION 10752
A Presidential Document by the Executive Office of the President.
(5/13/24)
Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, 2024
89 FR 41297
FINAL RULE
Children's Bureau (CB), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(5/10/24)
Foster Care Legal Representation
89 FR 40400
SUMMARY: This rule allows title IV-E agencies to claim Federal financial participation (FFP) for the administrative costs of: legal representation in foster care proceedings provided by an attorney representing the title IV-E agency or any other public agency (including an Indian tribe) which has an agreement in effect under which the other agency has placement and care responsibility of a title IV-E eligible child; independent legal representation provided by an attorney representing a child in title IV-E foster care, a child who is a candidate for title IV-E foster care (hereafter, referred to as a child “who is eligible for title IV-E foster care”), the child's parent(s), the child's relative caregiver(s), and the child's Indian custodian(s) in foster care and other civil legal proceedings as necessary to carry out the requirements in the title IV-E agency's title IV-E foster care plan; and legal representation provided by an attorney representing an Indian child's tribe, or representation of an Indian child's tribe provided by a non-attorney, when the child's tribe participates or intervenes in any state court proceeding for the foster care placement or termination of parental rights (TPR) of an Indian child who is in title IV-E foster care or an Indian child who is a candidate for title IV-E foster care.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(5/6/24)
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
89 FR 37238
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns or has an interest in irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. The BIA proposes to adjust the irrigation operation and maintenance (O&M) assessment rate at Duck Valley Irrigation Project (DVIP). We request your comments on the proposed rate adjustment.
FINAL RULE
Forest Service, USDA.
(5/6/24)
Planning
89 FR 37135
SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (Department), Forest Service is making technical revisions to clarify regulations governing National Forest System Land Management Planning (planning). These purely technical changes to the names and definitions of terms used to describe information accrued by Tribes and Indigenous people align with guidance from the Executive Office of the President and are more consistent with language used in regulations of other Federal agencies.
PROCLAMATION 10735
A Presidential Document by the Executive Office of the President.
(5/3/24)
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2024
89 FR 36651
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(5/2/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 35857
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands to Cook Inlet Region, Inc., an Alaska Native regional corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 and the Act of January 2, 1976.
FINAL RULE
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(5/2/24)
Water Quality Standards Regulatory Revisions To Protect Tribal Reserved Rights
89 FR 35717
SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing revisions to the Clean Water Act (CWA) water quality standards (WQS) regulation to add requirements for states establishing WQS in waters where Tribes hold and assert rights to CWA-protected aquatic and aquatic-dependent resources reserved through treaties, statutes, or Executive orders.
April
PROPOSED RULE; REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
(4/30/24)
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2024 Harvest Specifications for Pacific Whiting, and 2024 Pacific Whiting Tribal Allocation
89 FR 34188
SUMMARY: NMFS issues this proposed rule for the 2024 Pacific whiting fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006 (Whiting Act), and other applicable laws. This proposed rule would establish the domestic 2024 harvest specifications for Pacific whiting including the 2024 tribal allocation for the Pacific whiting fishery, the non-tribal sector allocations, and set-asides for incidental mortality in research activities and non-groundfish fisheries. The proposed measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, achieve optimum yield, ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available, and provide for the implementation of tribal treaty fishing rights.
FINAL RULE
Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services.
(4/30/24)
Removal of Outdated Regulations
89 FR 34144
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS or “the Department”) is issuing this final rule to remove outdated regulations that do not align with the current statutory text.
NOTICE OF MEETING AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
Minority Business Development Agency, Department of Commerce.
(4/18/24)
Minority Business Development Agency's Request for Public Comment and Notice of Tribal Consultation Meetings
89 FR 28748
SUMMARY: The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) plans to establish a period for the submission and acceptance of written comments from the public through Sunday, June 16, 2024 and conduct virtual Tribal consultation meetings on Friday, May 17, 2024.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(4/18/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 27782
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Danzhit Hanlaii Corporation for the Native village of Circle, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The subsurface estate in the same lands will be conveyed to Doyon, Limited, when the surface estate is conveyed to Danzhit Hanlaii Corporation.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(4/17/24)
Receipt of Documented Petition for Federal Acknowledgment as an American Indian Tribe
89 FR 27447
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the group known as the Chihene Nde Nation of New Mexico has filed a documented petition for Federal acknowledgment as an American Indian tribe with the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs. The Department seeks comment and evidence from the public on the petition.
NOTICE OF A MODIFIED SYSTEM OF RECORDS AND RESCINDMENT OF A SYSTEM OF RECORDS NOTICE
Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.
(4/12/24)
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
89 FR 25880
SUMMARY: In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is modifying a system of records maintained by the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), 09-80-0375 OFA Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Data System. The modification will add Tribal TANF records from a separate system of records, 09-80-0373 OFA Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), which is now being rescinded; and will change the name of the system of records 09-80-0375 to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Data.
NOTICE OF DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(4/4/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 23609
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands to Beaver Kwit'chin Corporation for the Native village of Beaver, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The subsurface estate in the same lands will be conveyed to Doyon, Limited, when the surface estate is conveyed to Beaver Kwit'chin Corporation.
March
FINAL RULE; CORRECTION
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
(3/29/24)
Strengthening the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program; Correction
89 FR 22083
SUMMARY: The Department of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is correcting a final rule entitled, “Strengthening the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program” that published in the Federal Register on March 20, 2024.
NOTICE
Department of Veterans Affairs.
(3/22/24)
Revised VA Tribal Consultation Policy and Directive 8603
89 FR 20538
SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs (OPIA), Office of Tribal Government Relations (OTGR), has updated their policy and directive on VA Tribal Consultation, in accordance with Executive Order 13175 and Presidential Memorandum January 2021. We request that tribal leaders or their designees review the final directive/policy and provide any additional feedback.
FINAL RULE
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
(3/20/24)
Strengthening the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program
89 FR 20032
SUMMARY: This final rule amends the regulations governing the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program (“Section 184 Program”) to strengthen the program by clarifying rules for stakeholders. As the program has experienced an increase in demand, it is necessary that HUD update the Section 184 Program implementing regulations to minimize potential risk and increase program participation by financial institutions. This final rule adds participation and eligibility requirements for Lender Applicants, Direct Guarantee Lenders, Non-Direct Guarantee Lenders, Holders and Servicers and other financial institutions. This final rule clarifies the rules governing Tribal participation in the program, establishes underwriting requirements, specifies rules on the closing and endorsement process, establishes stronger and clearer servicing requirements, establishes program rules governing claims submitted by Servicers and paid by HUD, and adds standards governing monitoring, reporting, sanctions, and appeals. This final rule adds new definitions and makes statutory conforming amendments, including the categorical exclusion of the Section 184 Program in HUD's environmental review regulations. Ultimately, the changes made by this final rule promote program sustainability, increase Borrower protections, and provide clarity for new and existing Lenders who participate in the program. This final rule follows the publication of a proposed rule on December 21, 2022, and takes into consideration the comments received in response to that proposed rule and during the Tribal consultations.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(3/18/24)
Request for Information: Office of Head Start Tribal Programs
89 FR 19317
SUMMARY: Prioritizing and directing resources to American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) programs to implement, expand, and/or enhance their Head Start services to tribal children and families is critical for meeting federal trust responsibility; preserving, and promoting Native language, culture, and traditions; and addressing the impact of historical trauma on Native Americans. As part of the Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) commitment to partnering with tribal nations to provide high-quality Head Start programming, in addition to regular tribal consultations, the Office of Head Start (OHS) invites public comment on the rules, regulations, and available training and technical assistance (TTA) supports impacting the AI/AN Head Start community. This Request for Information (RFI) seeks input on topics including eligibility; program options; quality environments; child health and safety; tribal language preservation, maintenance, revitalization, and restoration; family and community engagement; workforce; training and technical assistance; partnerships with state systems; facilities; fiscal operations; early childhood systems; and others, to improve the quality of Head Start services in areas of great need and affirm the federal government's commitment to protect Native communities.
NOTICE OF REPLACEMENT DECISION APPROVING LANDS FOR CONVEYANCE
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
(3/15/24)
Alaska Native Claims Selection
89 FR 18967
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision replacing its August 3, 2023, decision (“original decision”) which approved lands for conveyance to The Aleut Corporation, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The original decision is vacated in its entirety due to an error in land status and is replaced by the new decision. The lands approved for conveyance lie entirely within the Aleutian Islands Unit of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
NOTICE
Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR), Interior.
(3/12/24)
Major Portion Prices and Due Date for Additional Royalty Payments on Gas Produced From Indian Lands in Designated Areas That Are Not Associated With an Index Zone
89 FR 17878
SUMMARY: In accordance with regulations governing valuation of gas produced from Indian lands, ONRR is publishing this Notice in the Federal Register of the major portion prices applicable to calendar year 2022 and the date by which a lessee must pay any additional royalties due under major portion pricing.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS
Administration for Native Americans, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(3/8/24)
Notice for Public Comment on Administration for Native Americans' Survey To Measure Native American Language Vitality
89 FR 16774
SUMMARY: As part of the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act of 2022 (Durbin Feeling Act), the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is tasked with developing a nationwide survey on Native languages, with the intent that the survey will be sent out and collected every 5 years. The survey will gather information from Tribal Governments and/or Native language community organization representatives to report about the language use, language learning, and unmet needs in the community. The law requires that the survey makers consult with Native American Tribes, traditional leaders, and representatives of Native American language communities, including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island communities. The data collection will provide Tribal Nations, Native American language communities, and Congress with critical information about how Federal support can best help to revitalize and maintain Native languages. For more information on the Durbin Feeling Act, please visit:
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana/durbin-feeling.
PROPOSED RULE
Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
(3/8/24)
Advance Tribal Notification of Category 1 Quantities of Radioactive Material Shipments
89 FR 16701
SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations to require NRC and Agreement State licensees to provide advance notification to participating federally recognized Tribal governments regarding shipments of category 1 quantities of radioactive material that pass within or across their reservation boundaries. This proposed rule would resolve a petition for rulemaking (PRM–37–2) requesting changes to the regulations to include advance Tribal notification requirements similar to existing State notification requirements. The NRC will hold a public meeting during the public comment period to promote full understanding of this proposed rule and facilitate public comments.
February
NOTICE
Office of the Secretary, Interior.
(2/28/24)
Statement of Findings: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation Water Rights Settlement
89 FR 14699
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is publishing this notice in accordance with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation Water Rights Settlement (Settlement Act). The publication of this notice causes the settlement agreement executed in accordance with the Settlement Act to become enforceable and causes waivers and releases of claims executed pursuant to the Settlement Act to become effective.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indians Affairs, Interior.
(2/28/24)
Indian Child Welfare Act; Designated Tribal Agents for Service of Notice
89 FR 14679
SUMMARY: The regulations implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act provide that Federally recognized Indian Tribes may designate an agent other than the Tribal chairman for service of notice of proceedings under the Act. This notice includes the current list of designated Tribal agents for service of notice.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS
Office of Child Support Services, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services.
(2/27/24)
Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Tribal Child Support Enforcement Direct Funding Requests: (Office of Management and Budget #0970-0218)
89 FR 14504
SUMMARY: The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting to extend approval of revisions to an approved information collection the Tribal Child Support Enforcement Direct Funding Requests (Office of Management and Budget (OMB) #0970–0218). These revisions were approved under an emergency approval for 6-months and included a new requirement for Tribes or Tribal organizations to provide that charging fees and recovering costs will not be permitted.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS
Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services; Administration for Children and Families; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(2/26/24)
Proposed Information Collection Activity; Family Violence Prevention and Services Grants to States; Native American Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages; and State Domestic Violence Coalitions (Office of Management and Budget #0970-0280)
89 FR 14079
SUMMARY: The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) program within the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) plans to extend data collection for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Grants to States; Native American Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages; and State Domestic Violence Coalitions (Office of Management and Budget (OMB) #0970–0280; Expiration Date: May 31, 2024). Minor changes are proposed to the existing information collection.
MEETING NOTICE
Office of the Administrator; General Services Administration, (GSA).
(2/26/24)
Reservation Economic Summit (RES) Tribal Consultation Notice
89 FR 14069
SUMMARY: GSA is hosting a Tribal Consultation at the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) Reservation Economic Summit to discuss interests and concerns surrounding GSA's support of Tribes through its SAM.gov system.
PROPOSED RULE
Forest Service, Agriculture; Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
(2/26/24)
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-Subpart B; Federal Subsistence Board Membership
89 FR 14008
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise the regulations concerning the composition of the Federal Subsistence Board (Board) by adding three public members nominated or recommended by federally recognized Tribal governments, requiring that those nominees have personal knowledge of and direct experience with subsistence uses in rural Alaska including Alaska Native subsistence uses, defining requirements used for the selection of the Board Chair, affirming the Secretaries' authority to replace members from the Board, and affirming the Secretaries' responsibility and oversight regarding Board decisions while incorporating a ratification requirement. In January 2022, the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held joint consultations with federally recognized Tribes of Alaska and various Tribal Consortia. Later during October–November 2022, DOI leadership and the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, held joint consultations with various Alaska Tribes regarding fisheries. Approximately 445 individual subsistence users and representatives from Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal consortia, Alaska Native organizations, and Native corporations participated in the consultations, and a majority of the commenters specifically requested increasing the number of public members to five and adding more voting members who represent Alaska Native Villages and have local knowledge and direct subsistence experience.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING
Children's Bureau (CB), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(2/23/24)
Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System
89 FR 13652
SUMMARY: ACF proposes to amend the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations that require title IV–E agencies to collect and report data to ACF on children who enter out-of-home care, their providers, and children who have a title IV–E adoption or guardianship assistance agreement to collect additional data related to Indian children.
REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Administration for Native Americans, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.
(2/15/24)
Notice for Public Comment on Administration for Native Americans' Program Policies and Procedures
89 FR 11798
SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 814 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (NAPA), as amended, the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is required to provide members of the public an opportunity to comment on proposed changes in interpretive rules and general statements of policy and to give notice of the proposed changes no less than 30 days before such changes become effective. In accordance with notice requirements of NAPA, ANA herein describes proposed interpretive rules and general statements of policy that relate to ANA's Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) in fiscal year (FY) 2024. Changes to FY NOFOs will be based on the previously published programs.
FINAL RULE
Office of the Secretary, Interior.
(2/15/24)
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustments
89 FR 11740
SUMMARY: This rule revises U.S. Department of the Interior regulations implementing the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) to provide for annual adjustments of civil penalties to account for inflation under the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 and Office of Management and Budget guidance. The purpose of these adjustments is to maintain the deterrent effect of civil penalties and to further the policy goals of the underlying statute.
FINAL RULE
Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS or “the Department”).
(2/14/24)
Older Americans Act: Grants to State and Community Programs on Aging; Grants to Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Grantees for Supportive, Nutrition, and Caregiver Services; Grants for Supportive and Nutritional Services to Older Hawaiian Natives; and Allotments for Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities
89 FR 11566
SUMMARY: ACL is issuing this final rule to modernize the implementing regulations of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (“the Act” or OAA). These changes advance the policy goals of the Act as articulated by Congress, including equity in service delivery, accountability for funds expended, and clarity of administration for ACL and its grantees. This final rule ultimately facilitates improved service delivery and enhanced benefits for OAA participants, particularly those in greatest economic need and greatest social need consistent with the statute.
FINAL RULE
Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(2/12/24)
Elimination of the Tribal Non-Federal Share Requirement
89 FR 9784
SUMMARY: OCSS eliminates the non-Federal share of program expenditures requirement for Tribal child support programs, including the 90/10 and 80/20 cost sharing rates. Based upon the experiences of and consultations with Tribes and Tribal organizations, we have determined that the non-Federal share requirement limits growth, causes disruptions, and creates instability.
FINAL RULE
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, HUD.
(2/12/24)
Implementing Rental Housing Assistance for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program
89 FR 9757
SUMMARY: This rule amends HUD's regulations covering rental housing assistance for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG) program, consistent with the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA). The amendments clarify and improve consistency with NAHASDA's statutory requirements and HUD's Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program regulations. This rule would also help to make affordable housing opportunities, in the form of NHHBG-assisted rental housing, more available to eligible Native Hawaiian families.
PROCLAMATION 10701
A Presidential Document by the Executive Office of the President.
(2/12/24)
National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week, 2024
89 FR 9739
January
NOTICE OF RESERVATION PROCLAMATION
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(1/29/24)
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
89 FR 5572
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 1483.03 acres, more or less, as an addition to the reservation of Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
(1/25/24)
Request for Comments on a Draft of Updated National Register Bulletin: Identifying, Evaluating, and Documenting Traditional Cultural Places (Draft TCP Bulletin)
89 FR 4988
SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) is soliciting written comments from its Tribal, national, State, and local historic preservation partners, NPS regional offices and parks, other Federal agencies, and the public regarding the Draft TCP Bulletin.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(1/25/24)
Land Acquisitions; Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Eleven Parcels, Pima County, Arizona
89 FR 4984
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire in trust 25.56 acres, more or less, of land consisting of eleven off-reservation parcels in Pima County, Arizona, (Site) for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona, (Tribe) for gaming and other purposes.
PROPOSED RULE
Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development and Office of Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, HUD.
(1/10/24)
Submission for Community Development Block Grant Program, Consolidated Plans, and Indian Community Development Block Grant Program Changes
89 FR 1746
SUMMARY: HUD is proposing to revise the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and related Section 108 loan guarantee program regulations to make it easier for recipients to promote economic development and recovery in low- and moderate-income communities and support investments in underserved areas. This proposed rule also would revise provisions related to Consolidated Plan and citizen participation requirements for the CDBG program and institute quarterly reporting to improve performance with respect to timeliness. HUD is also proposing to make certain corresponding changes to the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program regulations to align the ICDBG program with the revisions being made to the CDBG program regulations.
NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
(1/8/24)
Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs
89 FR 944
SUMMARY: This notice publishes the current list of 574 Tribal entities recognized by and eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) by virtue of their status as Indian Tribes.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING
Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services.
(1/8/24)
Removal of Outdated Regulations
89 FR 896
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS or “the Department”) is issuing this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing the removal of regulations appearing in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These outdated regulations do not align with the current statutory text.
