ME LD785

Implements consensus recommendations from the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act to restore self-determination rights to the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians comparable to other federally recognized tribes nationwide

Establishes that federal Indian law governs tribal rights, privileges, powers, duties, and immunities, while explicitly providing that tribes may conduct gaming only under state law and not the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act

Restructures tribal land acquisition procedures to allow up to 150,000 acres of trust land per tribe within specified counties, with lands in organized municipalities requiring agreements on payments in lieu of taxes, law enforcement, and land use before becoming Indian territory

Recognizes exclusive tribal authority to regulate fishing, hunting, trapping, and wildlife within Indian territory and trust land, while allowing state regulation of tribal members off-territory solely for conservation purposes consistent with federal law and treaty rights

Takes effect 150 days after the 2025 legislative session only if the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians each certify agreement within 120 days of adjournment