Whereas, the Central Maine Indian Association no longer exists; and

Whereas, until "Wesget-Suppo" is recognized in the statutes as the organization authorized to issue fishing, trapping and hunting licenses, Native Americans will be unfairly denied benefits under the inland and fisheries laws; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7076, sub-§9, ķA, as amended by PL 1985, c. 304, §8, is further amended to read:

A. The commissioner shall issue a hunting, trapping and fishing license to any Indian, 10 years of age or older, of the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet or Micmac Tribes without any charge or fee, providing the Indian presents a certificate from the respective reservation governor, the Aroostook Micmac Council or the Central Maine Indian Association "Wesget-Suppo" stating that the person described is an Indian and a member of that tribe. Holders of these licenses shall be are subject to chapters 701 to 721.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill changes the name of the organization that issues hunting, trapping and fishing licenses to Native Americans from the Central Maine Indian Association to "Wesget-Suppo."