Resolve, Directing the Attorney General To Report on the Status of Discussions on Domestic Violence on Tribal Lands

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  recent federal legislation specifically addresses tribal issues involving violence against women; and

Whereas,  coordination in procedures and services concerning domestic violence benefits the State as a whole; and

Whereas,  prevention of and responses to domestic violence involving tribal members and domestic violence on tribal lands can benefit from a coordinated statewide approach; and

Whereas,  additional time is necessary to prepare a report by January 2014; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Attorney General report. Resolved: That the Attorney General shall report by January 15, 2014 to the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary on the status of ongoing discussions between representatives of the Joint Tribal Council of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Council of the Penobscot Nation, the Council of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Micmac Council, domestic violence advocates and the State concerning the social, economic and legal issues involved in domestic violence on tribal lands and coordination of tribal and state efforts to address domestic violence. The Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary may report out a bill based upon the report to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.