Press Releases

Today, Representative Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Senator John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act to affirm Utah State court jurisdiction over civil cases involving the Shivwits Band of Paiutes. This will ensure that both the Shivwits Band and third parties seeking to engage in business and development on Shivwits Band Indian lands will have access to a state or federal court forum to resolve disputes.

“The Shivwits Band of Paiutes wants to do business with third parties, but without a clear legal framework they are at risk.  This bill will give the Shivwits Band jurisdictional clarity and the freedom they desire to enter into contracts that have the potential to spur economic growth on their lands,” said Rep. Maloy.

“The Shivwits Band of Paiutes has long faced jurisdictional uncertainties that have hindered their ability to govern and grow on their own land,” said Senator Curtis. “I’m proud to work alongside the Shivwits Band and Congresswoman Maloy on legislation that honors Tribal sovereignty and strengthens our shared future.”

“The Shivwits Band of Paiutes appreciates the Utah congressional delegation’s support and recognition of the complexities surrounding our Tribe’s jurisdictional uncertainties and the importance of having authority to control the leasing of our own lands to support economic development for our people. We believe that fostering self-sufficiency through robust economic growth is essential for empowering our Tribal community today and ensuring a prosperous future for our entire community for generations to come,” said Shivwits Band Council Vice Chair Tina Gonzales.

Washington County wrote in support of the bill calling it a “a legislative fix to a judicially created problem that has stunted the Band's ability to engage in economic development and self-determination.” You can read the full letter here.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

A one pager of the bill can be found here.