An Act To Establish a Formal Tribal Consultation Process with the State
Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §59 is enacted to read:
§ 59. Promotion of communication between state agencies and federally recognized Indian tribes
SUMMARY
This bill requires a state agency to develop and implement a policy that:
1. Promotes effective communication between the state agency and federally recognized Indian tribes in the State;
2. Promotes positive government-to-government relations between the State and federally recognized Indian tribes in the State; and
3. Enables federally recognized Indian tribes in the State to consult with the state agency in a meaningful and timely manner regarding the development of legislation, rules and policies proposed by the state agency on matters that significantly or uniquely affect the tribes.