New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09092

Introduced
2/2/26  

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 implementation of S09092 would amend the existing Indian law in New York to formally include the Montaukett Indian Nation among the recognized tribes in the state. This change would not only restore dignity and legal standing to the Montaukett people, but it would also empower them to establish their own governance structure, including the election of a chief or sachem, tribal trustees, and a secretary, as dictated by their customs and regulations. Such governance aligns with the principles of self-determination for indigenous peoples, potentially impacting state policies relating to tribal rights, land use, and cultural preservation.

Summary

Bill S09092 seeks to reinstate the state recognition and acknowledgment of the Montaukett Indian Nation, which was unjustly removed in 1910 through a court ruling that deemed the tribe to be 'extinct.' The bill posits that the previous court decision overlooked significant legal precedents set by U.S. Supreme Court cases that affirmed the sovereignty of Indian Nations and their capacity to exist as recognized communities. As such, S09092 aims to correct historical injustices and recognize the continued existence of the Montaukett Indian Nation as a legitimate and sovereign entity within New York State.

Contention

Opponents of the bill might raise concerns regarding the implications of reinstating state recognition for the Montaukett Indian Nation, particularly related to land claims, governance authority, and resource management. Historical grievances and debates could arise regarding the recognition of tribal sovereignty and how it intersects with state jurisdiction. The bill positions itself at the intersection of indigenous rights and state law, reflecting on broader national discussions about the treatment and acknowledgment of Native American tribes. Ultimately, the passage of S09092 represents not just a legal change, but a significant step toward societal acknowledgment of the Montaukett Indian Nation’s historical and contemporary existence.

Companion Bills

NY A10129

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 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 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.