Maine lawmakers adjourn with no action on tribal sovereignty

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature has adjourned without taking action on a historic proposal to expand tribal sovereignty rights. It’s a a stinging disappointment for tribes in the state, although there’s still a possibility that lawmakers could resuscitate the bill when they return next month to deal with vetoes. Native Americans in Maine had sought to amend the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1980. The bill would allow the tribes to be treated the same as the nation’s other tribes. Currently, they’re treated like municipalities subject to state law. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has said she supports incremental changes.