A bill to recognize six groups in Tennessee advanced by a 5-4 split on Tuesday.

The Senate State and Local Government was tied 4-4 before Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R) stepped in, The Tennessean reported. The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

The bill extends state recognition to the Remnant Yuchi Nation, the Tanasi Council, the United Eastern Lenape Nation, the Chikamaka Band, the Central Band of Cherokee and the Cherokee Wolf Clan. The Bureau of Indian Affairs recently denied federal recognition to the Central Band of Cherokee, saying its members couldn't document their Indian ancestry.

Federally recognized tribes in other state, notably Oklahoma, opposed the recognition bill.

Get the Story:
Tribes get panel's signoff for state recognition (The Tennessean 4/4)

Related Stories:
BIA issues final decision against Central Band of Cherokees (03/26)
WPLN: Tribal recognition bill in Tennessee draws complaints (3/21)