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MaineLD 785132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Amend Certain Tax Laws Regarding the Wabanaki Nations

Sponsored By: Rachel Talbot Ross (Democratic)

Became Law

NATIVE AMERICANSNATIVE AMERICANS - ME INDIAN CLAIMS IMPLEMENTING ACT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Equal pay and allowances for tribal lawmakers

The law gives tribal Representatives the same salary as other legislators, with cost-of-living raises. They also get the same constituent-service and travel allowances, and the same per diem in special sessions. Pay rights apply to the Houlton Band starting in the Second Regular Session of the 125th Legislature and to the Mi'kmaq Nation starting in the First Regular Session of the 133rd. Tribal clerks must certify the Representative-elect to the House Clerk before the session; for the Houlton Band this starts with the 126th Legislature, and for the Mi'kmaq Nation with the 133rd (under the Nation’s seal). The state funds one added legislator with $184,034 in fiscal 2026-27 ($103,987 ongoing and $80,047 one-time).

Sales tax relief on tribal land

Beginning January 1, 2027, sales of new manufactured homes for installation on tribal land are exempt from Maine sales tax. Sales to a tribal member that are sourced to tribal land are also exempt, including motor vehicles intended to go straight to tribal land. Sales to contractors who will permanently install the home on tribal land for a tribal member or tribe are covered. If you use the item mostly off tribal land in the first year (more than 50%), you owe use tax on the original price.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rachel Talbot Ross

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Adam Lee

    Democratic • House

  • Amy Kuhn

    Democratic • House

  • Anne M. Carney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Billy Bob Faulkingham

    Republican • House

  • Marianne Moore

    Republican • Senate

  • Mark Babin

    Republican • House

  • Matthea E. L. Daughtry

    Democratic • Senate

  • Richard A. Bennett

    Independent • Senate

  • Ryan Fecteau

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 105 • No: 75

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

ACCEPT REPORT 'A' OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED

Yes: 22 • No: 11

House vote • 4/13/2026

REPORT A OTP-AM BY CA-A

Yes: 83 • No: 64

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 705

    5/1/2026

  2. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table Subsequently, PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.

    4/14/2026Senate

  3. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending PASSAGE TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/13/2026House

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, REPORT A Ought to Pass as Amended was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 808(Yeas 83 - Nays 64 - Absent 3 - Excused 0 - Vacant 1)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-694) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-694).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/13/2026House

  6. Reports READ On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland The Report A Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-694) Report ACCEPTED. Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 944 Yeas 22 - Nays 11 - Excused 2 - Absent 0 READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (S-694) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-694) Sent down for concurrence

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.

    6/25/2025Senate

  8. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  9. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on February 27, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    3/4/2025Senate

Bill Text

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