New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05295

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  
Report Pass
3/18/25  
Engrossed
3/24/25  
Refer
3/24/25  
Engrossed
6/5/25  
Enrolled
12/8/25  

Caption

Provides for the reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation; provides that the Montaukett Indian nation shall have a chief or sachem, three tribal trustees and a tribal secretary; provides for the qualification of voters; makes related provisions.

Summary

Bill A05295 seeks to reinstate the state recognition and acknowledgment of the Montaukett Indian Nation, which was removed in 1910 by a court ruling that deemed the tribe extinct. The bill outlines the historical context of the Montaukett Indian Nation, referencing various U.S. Supreme Court decisions that support the tribe's claim to recognition as a sovereign entity. It aims to correct the judicial error of the past by formally recognizing the Montaukett Indian Nation within New York's Indian law and establishing governance structures for the tribe.

Impact

If passed, this bill will amend New York state Indian law to include the Montaukett Indian Nation as a recognized tribe. This recognition will restore the tribe's legal status and allow it to govern itself according to its customs and regulations. The bill will also provide for the election of tribal leaders and set qualifications for voters and officeholders, thereby establishing a formal governance framework for the Montaukett Indian Nation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05295 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous votes in favor during both the Assembly and Senate floor votes. The discussions leading up to the votes indicate a strong legislative support for rectifying the historical injustice faced by the Montaukett Indian Nation, with no recorded opposition during the voting process.

Contention

While there is broad support for the bill, some concerns may arise regarding the implications of reinstating recognition for the Montaukett Indian Nation, particularly in relation to land rights and sovereignty issues. However, no specific points of contention were highlighted in the voting history or committee discussions, suggesting a consensus among lawmakers.

Companion Bills

NY S03308

Same As Provides for the reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation; provides that the Montaukett Indian nation shall have a chief or sachem, three tribal trustees and a tribal secretary; provides for the qualification of voters; makes related provisions.

Previously Filed As

NY S09092

Provides for the reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation; provides that the Montaukett Indian nation shall have a chief or sachem, three tribal trustees and a tribal secretary; provides for the qualification of voters; makes related provisions.

NY A10129

Provides for the reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation; provides that the Montaukett Indian nation shall have a chief or sachem, three tribal trustees and a tribal secretary; provides for the qualification of voters; makes related provisions.

NY S03308

Provides for the reinstatement of state recognition and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation; provides that the Montaukett Indian nation shall have a chief or sachem, three tribal trustees and a tribal secretary; provides for the qualification of voters; makes related provisions.

NY A08394

Provides for amendments to a tribal-state compact with the Seneca Nation of Indians.

NY S08834

Provides that a person shall not be deemed to have entered the lands owned or occupied by a nation, tribe, or band of Indians if such person is temporarily and continuously passing through such lands; provides that at the request of the Seneca nation, the superintendent of state police, a sheriff of a county that includes lands of the Seneca nation, or the chief of police of the city of Salamanca may enter into an agreement with the Seneca nation detailing the activities such law enforcement entity will undertake within the nation's federally-recognized Indian Country lands; provides that such agreements shall not be construed to limit powers, duties, and responsibilities to undertake activities on Indian lands; and provides that such agreements may include provisions related to the appointment of tribal members of Nation employees as police officers.

NY A09500

Provides that a person shall not be deemed to have entered the lands owned or occupied by a nation, tribe, or band of Indians if such person is temporarily and continuously passing through such lands; provides that at the request of the Seneca nation, the superintendent of state police, a sheriff of a county that includes lands of the Seneca nation, or the chief of police of the city of Salamanca may enter into an agreement with the Seneca nation detailing the activities such law enforcement entity will undertake within the nation's federally-recognized Indian Country lands; provides that such agreements shall not be construed to limit powers, duties, and responsibilities to undertake activities on Indian lands; and provides that such agreements may include provisions related to the appointment of tribal members of Nation employees as police officers.

NY SJR62

Encouraging the National Congress of American Indians to embrace Alabama's state-recognized tribes

NY HR234

National Congress of American Indians, encouraged

NY HJR236

National Congress of American Indians, encouraged

NY S08127

Relates to intrusions upon lands owned or occupied by any nation, tribe or band of Indians, and to drug trafficking activities within Indian lands; provides that the district attorney of a county in which reservation lands are situated, upon application of a person designated by the laws of a nation, tribe or band to make such application, shall make complaint of intrusions on such lands and cause intruders to be removed; provides that the governor, the superintendent of state police, a sheriff of a county that includes lands of the Seneca nation, or the chief of police of the city of Salamanca, may, at the request of the Seneca nation, enter into an agreement with the Seneca nation governing the terms and conditions of criminal law enforcement activities within the nation's Indian County lands; provides that such agreements shall be given full force and effect by the courts of the state.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.