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An Act To Establish a Formal Tribal Consultation Process with the State
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  5 MRSA §59  is enacted to read:
§ 59. Promotion of communication between state agencies and federally recognized Indian tribes
 
1.  Definitions.     As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
 
A.  "Federally recognized Indian tribes" means the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and Aroostook Band of Micmacs.
 
B.  "State agency" means a department, commission, board, office or other entity that is in the executive branch of State Government.
 
2.  Policy.     A state agency shall develop and implement a policy that:
 
A.  Promotes effective communication between the state agency and federally recognized Indian tribes;
 
B.  Promotes positive government-to-government relations between the State and federally recognized Indian tribes; and
 
C.  Enables federally recognized Indian tribes to consult with the state agency in a meaningful and timely manner regarding the development of legislation, rules and policies proposed by the state agency on matters that significantly or uniquely affect the tribes.
 
SUMMARY
This bill requires a state agency to develop and implement a policy that:
1. Promotes effective communication between the state agency and federally recognized Indian tribes in the State;
2. Promotes positive government-to-government relations between the State and federally recognized Indian tribes in the State; and
3. Enables federally recognized Indian tribes in the State to consult with the state agency in a meaningful and timely manner regarding the development of legislation, rules and policies proposed by the state agency on matters that significantly or uniquely affect the tribes.