Facebook Twitter Email
DECEMBER 6, 2000

Lawmakers in Maine are considering a proposal that will give the state legislature's two Indian representatives the ability to vote on legislation.

But the vote would only be allowed in committees. Tribal leaders had sought full voting powers but were told such a power would violate the US Constitution.

The state has a Penobscot and Passamaquoddy representative in the legislature. They can introduce bills affecting tribal matter and would also be allowed to submit amendnments through the new proposal.

Maine is the ony state in the Union to have such representatives and has had them since 1820. Wisconsin and South Dakota lawmakers are considering the same for tribes there.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers ponder rules giving Indian reps more powers (AP 12/5)

Related Stories:
SouthDakota tribes may get seats in Legislature (Tribal Law 11/27)
Legislative plan under consideration (Tribal Law 11/17)
Wisconsin tribes may get seats in legislature (Tribal Law 10/12)