COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A House bill that gives American Indian issues to the Minority Affairs Commission has been approved by a Senate subcommittee.
The bill approved Wednesday is designed to help tribes gain state recognition.
"I guess my regret is we couldn't do more," said Sen. Bob Waldrep, R-Anderson, who is of Cherokee ancestry.
Waldrep said he wanted to give the agency money to handle its expanded duties. He hopes that will be possible in the future.
The bill also makes the agency responsible for Hispanic and Asian issues.
Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the possibility of gambling and land claims, Waldrep said.
Federally recognized tribes are permitted to have gambling operations under certain conditions.
The Catawbas, the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina, have bingo games in Rock Hill.
Will Goins, an American Indian and supporter of the bill, said backers need to educate legislators that state recognition is not a major step to federal recognition.
Information from: The Sun News
