FROM THE ARCHIVE
Fla. panel approves tribal jurisdiction bill
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FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2003

A Florida House subcommittee voted 4-3 to approve a bill that eliminates state civil and criminal jurisdiction over Indians the Miccosukee tribal lands.

The bill would put the tribe on par with most others in Indian Country. If approved, crimes committed by Indian offenders would be handled in tribal or federal court. The tribe would not have jurisdiction over non-Indians.

Law enforcement groups are opposing the bill. The tribe has reportedly hired 16 lobbyists to seek full passage.

Get the Story:
Police may lose authority at tribe's casino (The Miami Herald 3/14)
Law officers oppose Miccosukee bil (The St. Petersburg Times 3/14)

Relevant Links:
Miccosukee Tribe - http://www.miccosukeetribe.com

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Miccosukee Tribe seeks end to state police power (02/06)
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Fla. murder trial winds up (2/22)
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