Bill exempts Maine tribes from public access law

Thursday, March 27, 2008  

The Maine Legislature's Judiciary Committee is considering a bill to exempt tribes from state public access laws.

Under a state court decision, the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe must share their internal documents when they act in ways similar to municipal governments. Documents related to tribal matters such as membership are not subject to public access laws.

The provision is part of LD 2221, a bill that would amend the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980. Tribal leaders want to strengthen their sovereignty, which has been eroded by state and federal courts.

Get the Story:
Committee OKs tribes' exclusion from access law (The Bangor Daily News 3/27)

Opinion: Defending tribal sovereignty in Maine (3/20)
Opinion: Recognize sovereignty of Maine tribes (3/19)
Editorial: Improving tribal-state relations in Maine (3/5)