A6919
An act to amend the Indian Law — 2023-05-30 · Calendar #973
The New York State Senate passed Assembly Print 6919, an act to amend the Indian Law to reinstate recognition of the Montaukett Indian Nation, on a unanimous roll call vote of 61-0. The bill seeks to reverse a 1910 court ruling in Pharaoh v. Benson that arbitrarily declared the tribe extinct in a land dispute case, stripping the Montaukett Nation of both property and sovereign status. Sen. Palumbo, explaining his vote, characterized the original ruling as improper and reprehensible, noting it prioritized a wealthy developer's interests over the tribe's rights. Palumbo emphasized the measure represents reinstatement of rightful recognition rather than a new application, and appealed to Governor Cuomo to reconsider his veto of the identical bill last year. The measure takes effect immediately.
PASSED
Ayes: 61
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
Sen. Palumbo explained his affirmative vote, noting the bill seeks reinstatement—not new recognition—of the Montaukett Indian Nation, whose status was improperly stripped in a 1910 court ruling in a land dispute case. Palumbo argued the Pharaoh v. Benson decision arbitrarily declared the tribe extinct to benefit a wealthy developer, depriving the Montaukett Nation of both property and identity. He noted the bill passed unanimously last year but was vetoed by Governor Cuomo, who sought further examination, and urged the Governor to reconsider given that this represents restoration of rightful recognition rather than a new application.