A5295

The Senate passed Assembly Bill 5295, which would reinstate recognition of the Montaukett Nation, by a vote of 59-1. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Schiavoni, addresses a 1920 court decision that stripped the Montaukett Nation of recognition they had held for hundreds of years. Sen. Palumbo, who explained his affirmative vote, characterized the original court decision as racist and unjustified. The bill has been passed by the Legislature multiple times but has been vetoed by both the prior and current Governor. Palumbo called on the Governor's office to engage with the Legislature and the Nation to resolve outstanding concerns. Only Sen. Rhoads voted against the measure.