There’s no disputing that the benchmarks under the current criteria is a high bar. With all the benefits that come with federal recognition, it should be a demanding process. The proposed changes make it far less so.

The immediate concern is the prospect of additional casinos. Gaming interests, from Donald Trump to Steve Wynn, financially backed the tribes’ first attempt at federal recognition, and tribal leaders did nothing to dispel suggestions that casinos were part of their plans.

The issue, however, is far more complicated.

If granted federal recognition, land claims will be filed seeking to take large tracts into trust, many of the parcels already developed. That could cloud title to hundreds of properties and remove thousands of acres from tax rolls. That is the state’s primary concern, but with a dose of hypocrisy.

For centuries, the state has “formally” recognized these entities as tribes. State recognition, however, does not grant any benefits or rights, nor is it sufficient to qualify for federal recognition. How does the state now argue that they are not tribes?