New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10129

Introduced
2/2/26  
Refer
2/2/26  
Report Pass
3/4/26  
Engrossed
3/9/26  

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.

Impact

The reinstatement of state recognition holds significant implications for the Montaukett Indian Nation as it restores their sovereignty and governance over their affairs, allowing them to establish laws and regulations in accordance with their customs. This act not only recognizes their historical existence but also provides a legal framework for their leadership and electoral processes. As a recognized tribe, the Montaukett could access various federal and state benefits available to recognized tribal governments, including potential funding opportunities and legal rights concerning their land and resources.

Summary

Bill A10129 aims to reinstate the state recognition and acknowledgment of the Montaukett Indian Nation in New York. This recognition was stripped from the tribe in a controversial court ruling in 1910, which declared them 'extinct.' The bill introduces provisions for the governance of the Montaukett Indian Nation, including the establishment of a chief or sachem, three tribal trustees, and a tribal secretary, all of whom are to be elected by the nation's lineal members. It delineates the qualifications required for voters and officeholders within the Montaukett government structure.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, the bill may face contention, particularly from those who question its implications for state-tribal relations and the historical context behind the original court ruling. Some stakeholders might argue that reinstating the Montaukett's recognition could set a precedent for other tribes seeking similar acknowledgment, stirring debates on tribal sovereignty and governmental jurisdiction. Additionally, the discussions surrounding the legitimacy of the 1910 ruling may reignite historical grievances, complicating its legislative journey.

Companion Bills

NY S09092

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 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 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 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.

NY A08289

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.

NY SJR62

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

NY S09973

Relates to the effectiveness of certain county-tribal detention agreements between the Oneida Indian Nation and Oneida county and Madison county.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.