Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Recognition Act

The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Recognition Act grants federal recognition to the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, thereby extending all applicable federal laws and benefits for federally recognized tribes to its members. To access these services, the tribe must submit its current membership roll and governing documents to the Secretary of the Interior, who is required to verify that the enrollment meets the criteria set in the tribe's own rules within two years. Once verification is complete, the Secretaries of the Interior and Health and Human Services will work with the tribe to determine specific service needs and establish a designated area for delivering federal programs. This legislation aims to resolve the lack of formal status that previously prevented the tribe from receiving government support and benefits available to other recognized Native American groups.