A9124

The Senate passed Assembly Bill 9124, an act to amend the Indian Law to reinstate state recognition of the Montaukett Nation, by a vote of 59-1. Only Sen. Rhoads voted in opposition. The bill represents the fifth or sixth legislative attempt to restore recognition to the Montaukett Nation, a Native American nation present on Long Island since the 1600s. According to Sen. Palumbo, the nation's state recognition was stripped in a 1910 Suffolk County Supreme Court decision that he characterized as racist. Palumbo credited Assemblyman Thiele with working closely on the legislation and expressed hope that the Governor, who has previously vetoed similar bills, will sign this version. The bill takes effect immediately.