As controversy continues to swirl around the use of American Indians in team names and mascots, especially the Washington Redskins of late, an Oregon bill would allow school districts in the state to use the names and images, if they get approval from a local tribe. Oregon currently has a statewide ban on Indian names as of last year, and the bill would re-open the door for schools to use them.

The bill, which has already passed with overwhelming support in the state senate, would allow a given school to consult with the nearest American Indian tribe on whether it approves of the use of their name for a sports team. The Oregonian reports that tribal leaders are split on the bill.

If it gets through the state house, the bill would not overrule last year’s Oregon Board of Education ban on using the names, explained one of its co-sponsors. “It just says if you have a school district and a tribe that want to come to an agreement — that’s what I call relationship-building — you can ask for a waiver,” said State Representative Sherrie Sprenger, whose district includes a team called the Siletz Academy Warriors.

According to the Oregonian, the bill is currently in the state-house rules committee – which the newspaper describes as “a graveyard for bills,” but the measure’s supporters are confident it will go through after working with Governor John Kitzhaber’s office.