New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03308

Introduced
1/24/25  

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 S03308 aims to reinstate state recognition and acknowledgment of the Montaukett Indian Nation, which lost its status in 1910 due to a court ruling that deemed the tribe 'extinct.' The bill argues that this decision was made in error, ignoring U.S. Supreme Court precedents that affirm the criteria for tribal recognition and the authority of Congress over such determinations. The legislation seeks to correct this historical injustice by formally recognizing the Montaukett Indian Nation as a sovereign entity within New York State law.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will amend New York's Indian law to include the Montaukett Indian Nation among the recognized tribes in the state. This reinstatement will allow the Montaukett Indian Nation to govern itself according to its own rules and customs, including the election of its leadership and the establishment of voter qualifications. The bill's passage could set a precedent for other tribes seeking recognition and may influence discussions around tribal sovereignty and rights in New York.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03308 appears to be supportive among those advocating for indigenous rights and historical justice. However, there may be concerns from individuals or groups who question the implications of reinstating recognition for the Montaukett Indian Nation, particularly regarding resource allocation and governance issues.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from differing views on the historical legitimacy of the Montaukett Indian Nation's claim to recognition. Some may argue that the tribe's status was appropriately determined by past court rulings, while advocates for the Montaukett Indian Nation assert that these rulings were flawed and not in line with established legal precedents. This divide may reflect broader debates about indigenous rights and state authority.

Companion Bills

NY A05295

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 A05295

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.