An Act To Require the Attorney General To Consult with Federally Recognized Indian Tribes before Issuing an Opinion on Federal Legislation Affecting the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980

Sec. 1. 30 MRSA §6215  is enacted to read:

§ 6215.  Attorney General consultation

The Attorney General may not provide to the United States Congress or any of its members or agents any legal opinion on federal legislation affecting this chapter or the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, 25 United States Code, Chapter 19, Subchapter II, that may have an effect on federally recognized tribes in the State without first consulting with the affected tribes in a manner mutually agreeable to the tribes and the Attorney General.

summary

This bill provides that the Attorney General may not provide to the United States Congress or any of its members or agents any legal opinion on federal legislation affecting the federal Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 or its implementation in this State that may have an effect on federally recognized tribes in the State without first consulting with the affected tribes in a manner mutually agreeable to the tribes and the Attorney General.