An Act Regarding the Right of Native Americans To Be Issued Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Licenses
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §10853, sub-§8, as amended by PL 2007, c. 195, §1, is further amended to read:
8. Members of federally recognized nation, band or tribe. The commissioner shall issue a hunting, trapping and fishing license, including permits, stamps and other permission needed to hunt, trap and fish, to a Native American person, 10 years of age or older, who is an enrolled member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs that is valid for the life of that Native American person without any charge or fee if the Native American person presents a certificate certification from the respective reservation governor , or the Aroostook Micmac Council or "Wesget-Sipu" stating that the person described is a Native American and a an enrolled member of that federally recognized nation, band or tribe. Holders of these licenses are subject to this Part, including, but not limited to, a lottery or drawing system for issuing a particular license or permit.
summary
This bill ensures that certain hunting, trapping and fishing licenses without charge or fee are available only to certified members of a federally recognized nation, band or tribe in the State.