This bill establishes a process for state recognition of Native American Indian tribes, which is designed to recognize the historical and cultural contributions of Native Americans to the State, to protect and strengthen the heritage of Native Americans in the State and to provide technical assistance to state-recognized Native American Indian tribes and their members related to state and federal programs and activities. It establishes the Maine Commission on Native American Indian Affairs, a 5-member panel of experts appointed by the Governor to review and to make recommendations on applications for state recognition of Native American Indian tribes in the State and to provide specific assistance to state-recognized Native American Indian tribes and their members. The ultimate decision whether to confer state recognition lies with the Legislature. State-recognized Native American Indian tribes and their members remain subject to all of the laws of the State, and recognition may not be construed to grant the state- recognized Native American Indian tribe or its members any right or claim to land or real estate in the State or the right to conduct any gambling activities otherwise prohibited by law.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 813, HP 520: 5.11053