MaineMaine directs group to recommend federal law benefits for Wabanaki nations
Maine's working group must recommend ways to extend benefits of federal laws to Wabanaki nations, but access to those benefits still needs further action.
What it does
A working group must recommend ways to extend benefits of federal laws to Wabanaki nations. It may suggest excluding some laws. This law does not itself extend those benefits.
Recommendations need agreement from representatives of each affected tribe and a majority of the group's lawmakers. Meetings require at least three tribal representatives and three lawmakers.
Argument forRequiring affected tribes' consent could give Wabanaki leaders a meaningful say in recommendations about their access to benefits of federal laws.
Argument againstThe agreement requirement could keep the group from recommending changes when affected tribal representatives and a majority of lawmakers cannot agree.
More detail
The working group must review federal settlement restrictions and recommend ways to extend benefits of federal laws to Wabanaki nations. The recommendations cover the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi'kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation. The group may recommend excluding some federal laws or reviewing laws that would cause specific, substantial disruption and harm to Maine and its citizens. Legislative Council staff support is unavailable while the Legislature is in regular or special session. The group must report its findings and agreed recommendations by December 2, 2026. The Legislature's judiciary committee may propose legislation based on those recommendations to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.
Legislative leaders must appoint four lawmakers and invite five tribal chiefs or their chosen representatives as voting members. The lawmakers represent both chambers and their two largest parties. Tribal invitations include both Passamaquoddy communities. Every recommendation needs consent from representatives of the affected tribe or tribes and a majority of the group's lawmakers. To conduct business, at least three tribal representatives and three lawmakers must be present. Appointments are due no later than 15 days following the law's effective date. At least 15 days after that date, the Legislative Council may authorize meetings if a majority of appointments are complete.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 15Signed by Governor Janet MillsBecame Law
- Apr 14FINALLY PASSED, in concurrence.Passed 2nd Chamber
- Apr 14Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Apr 14FINALLY PASSED.Passed 1st Chamber
- Apr 14ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Apr 14The House RECEDED and CONCURRED to PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-693) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-714) thereto.Minor
- Apr 14Sent down for concurrence.
- Apr 14PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-693) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-714) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE.Minor
- Apr 14Committee Amendment "A" (S-693) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-714) thereto ADOPTED in NON-CONCURRENCE.Minor
- Apr 14On further motion by Same Senator Senate Amendment "A" (S-714) to Committee Amendment "A" (S-693) READ and ADOPTED
- Apr 14On further motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby Committee Amendment "A" (S-693) was ADOPTED.Minor
- Apr 14On motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-693) in concurrence.Minor
- Apr 14On motion by Senator DUSON of Cumberland taken from the Special Study Table
- Apr 13Reported Out - OTP-AM
- Vote recorded Final Passage - Emer. Result: fail.Lower
- Apr 13On motion by Senator DUSON of Cumberland placed on the SPECIAL STUDY TABLE pending FINAL PASSAGE - 2/3 Elected Required, in NON-CONCURRENCE.
- Apr 13Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Apr 13(Yeas 91 - Nays 54 - Absent 5 - Excused 0 - Vacant 1)
- Apr 13ROLL CALL NO. 814
- Apr 13FAILED FINAL PASSAGE.Major
- Apr 13This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.
- Apr 13In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Apr 13The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-693).Minor
- Apr 13Under suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.
- Apr 13CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAY
- Apr 13Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
- Apr 13Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-693).Minor
- Apr 13Committee Amendment "A" (S-693) READ and ADOPTED.Minor
- Apr 13READ ONCE.Minor
- Apr 13Report READ and ACCEPTED.
- Mar 17Voted - OTP-AM
- Mar 17Work Session Held
- Mar 12Work Session Held - TABLED
- 2025
- Jun 25CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
- May 19Carry Over Approved
- May 19Carry Over Requested
- Mar 21CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
- Feb 4In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Feb 4The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.Minor
- Feb 4Committee on JUDICIARY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on JUDICIARY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrenceIntroduced
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