PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 15, 2022
The Senate voted unanimously Friday to advance a historic bill that would restore sovereignty to Maine tribes after more than four decades of legal restrictions that do not apply to any other federally recognized tribes in the United States. Unlike the House, which voted 81-55 in support of the bill on Thursday, the Senate had virtually no debate and quickly declared the bill to be passed without a roll call vote. While the bill could still face additional votes and debate in the Legislature, the action puts the bill on a clear path to passage and a potential veto by Gov. Janet Mills.