SB 949 Virginia Senate · 2025 Regular Session

American Indians, Va. recognized tribes, and federally recognized tribes; definitions, sovereignty.

Summary

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-234, 2.2-401.01, 2.2-1149, 2.2-1604, 2.2-2699.10, 2.2-4310, 10.1-104.02, 10.1-659, 10.1-1003, 10.1-1018, 10.1-1020, 10.1-1186.3:1, 10.1-1188, 10.1-2202.5, 10.1-2205.1, 10.1-2206.1, 10.1-2214, 10.1-2305, 15.2-4202, 15.2-4203, 20-88.32, 20-146.1, 22.1-254, 24.2-128, 28.2-104.01, 28.2-302.5, 29.1-301, 29.1-401, 29.1-521, 32.1-272, 36-105.5, 51.1-700, 56-46.1, 56-576, 58.1-2201, 58.1-2403, 59.1-480, 62.1-266, 64.2-701, 64.2-2100, and 64.2-2600 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Subtitle II of Title 2.2 a part labeled D, containing a chapter numbered 61, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-6100 and 2.2-6101, relating to definitions; American Indians; Virginia recognized tribes; federally recognized tribes; sovereignty.

Bill status vetoed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

House of Delegates Passage

Feb 2025

Vetoed

May 2025

Introduced Jan 6, 2025 Vetoed May 2, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 7 edits · Feb 24, 2025

MODERATE

This bill amends multiple Virginia Code sections to establish a new framework for recognizing and consulting with American Indian tribes, including creating a Virginia Indigenous People's Trust Fund, defining tribal sovereignty, and requiring consultation with federally recognized tribes on environmental and cultural permits. The changes expand protections for tribal interests in land acquisition, historic preservation, and environmental decision-making.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of tribal consultation requirements to include additional permit types and expands the definition of tribes eligible for consultation and funding benefits.

FISCAL

Created a new Virginia Indigenous People's Trust Fund that will distribute quarterly payments to federally recognized tribes

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'American Indian', 'federally recognized tribe', and 'Virginia recognized tribe' in a new Chapter 61

REQUIREMENT

Added consultation requirements for underwater recovery permits and expanded consultation requirements for various environmental and cultural permits

Modified land acquisition rules to require Governor approval for property acquisitions benefiting recognized tribes

Added exemptions from hunting and fishing license requirements for members of Virginia recognized tribes

Modified environmental impact report requirements to include consultation records with federally recognized tribes

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded eligibility for historic preservation grants and land acquisition programs to include Virginia recognized tribes

Floor votes · Senate Jan 27, 2025 · House of Delegates Feb 14, 2025

How they voted

37–1

Passed · 2 other

Total votes 40

Jan 27, 2025

D Democratic21

20 Yea 1

95% Yea

R Republican19

17 Yea 1 Nay 1

89% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 2, 2025

Vetoed

Vetoed by Governor

executive

Apr 2, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed by for the day

upper

Mar 24, 2025

Vetoed

Governor's recommendation received by Senate

executive

Feb 24, 2025

Upper · Passed

Signed by President

upper

Feb 21, 2025

Lower · Passed

Signed by Speaker

lower

Feb 21, 2025

Upper · Passed

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB949ER)

upper

Feb 18, 2025

Upper · Passed

House Amendments agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N)

upper

Feb 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Passed House with amendments (96-Y 0-N)

lower

Feb 14, 2025

Introduced

Engrossed by House as amended

lower

Feb 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

General Laws Amendments agreed to

lower

Feb 11, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported from General Laws with amendment(s) (19-Y 0-N)

lower

Feb 5, 2025

Committee

Referred to Committee on General Laws

lower

Jan 29, 2025

Upper · Passed

Read third time and passed Senate (38-Y 0-N)

upper

Jan 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed by for the day

upper

Jan 24, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported from Rules (13-Y 0-N)

upper

Jan 6, 2025

Introduced

Introduced bill reprinted 25103613D

upper

Jan 6, 2025

Committee

Referred to Committee on Rules

upper

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors