Act No. 107

(S.222)

Native American affairs

This act sets out the process and criteria for Native American groups or bands to apply for and obtain formal state recognition as a Native American Indian tribe. The act requires the Vermont commission on Native American affairs to create three-member panels to review applications for recognition. The full commission is then required to vote on whether to formally recommend to the general assembly that an applicant be recognized as a Native American Indian tribe. An applicant for recognition would be recognized if the general assembly approves the recommendation or if the general assembly takes no action on the recommendation within two years.

The act also amends the composition and duties of the Vermont commission on Native American affairs. The act increases the number of commission members from seven to nine and requires that the members be residents of Vermont and reflect a diversity of affiliations and geographic locations within the state. The act also requires that the commission provide technical assistance to applicants for state recognition and assist recognized Native American Indian tribes in securing social services and developing and marketing Vermont Native American fine arts and crafts.

Date Signed by the Governor:  May 14, 2010

Effective Date:  On passage (May 14, 2010, the date on which the governor signed the bill)