The bipartisan legislation received a 100-47 vote, indicating strong support from both sides of the aisle.
In a significant development, the Maine House voted in favor of a bill that would enable Native American tribes in the state to benefit from federal laws, overriding a previous land claims settlement. However, the proposed legislation specifically prohibits the application of certain federal laws related to casinos, making it necessary to obtain state approval for their establishment. The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
The tribes in Maine have long been governed by the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, which subjected them to state law and limited their access to federal legislation. This contrasted with the autonomy enjoyed by the other 570 federally recognized tribes across the country.
In a significant development, the Maine House voted in favor of a bill that would enable Native American tribes in the state to benefit from federal laws, overriding a previous land claims settlement. However, the proposed legislation specifically prohibits the application of certain federal laws related to casinos, making it necessary to obtain state approval for their establishment. The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
The tribes in Maine have long been governed by the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, which subjected them to state law and limited their access to federal legislation. This contrasted with the autonomy enjoyed by the other 570 federally recognized tribes across the country.