An Act To Establish a Policy of Communication and Consultation on Issues Affecting Tribal Communities of the Passamaquoddy Tribe

Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §58  is enacted to read:

§ 58.  Policy on communication and consultation with the Passamaquoddy Tribe

Every state agency shall adopt a policy of communication and consultation with the Passamaquoddy Tribe. The policy must provide for timely and meaningful communication and consultation with the Passamaquoddy Tribe and permit elected officials and other representatives of the Passamaquoddy tribal government to provide meaningful and timely input into the development of legislation, rules and policies on matters that significantly or uniquely affect the Passamaquoddy tribal community. The policy must require communication and consultation with the Passamaquoddy Tribe before the agency may propose, adopt or implement legislation, rules or policies that may materially affect the Passamaquoddy tribal community.

SUMMARY

This bill requires every state agency to adopt a policy of communication and consultation with the Passamaquoddy Tribe to provide for meaningful and timely input by the Passamaquoddy tribal government into the development of legislation, rules and policies on matters that significantly or uniquely affect the Passamaquoddy tribal community before the agency may propose, adopt or implement legislation, rules or policies that may materially affect the Passamaquoddy tribal community.