Bill > S08127

This bill amends the New York Indian law to strengthen protections for Indian lands and improve law enforcement cooperation, specifically addressing intrusions and drug trafficking on reservation territories. The bill modifies existing law to clarify that non-tribal members cannot enter, settle, or conduct business on Indian lands without permission, and expands the ability of tribal authorities to request removal of unauthorized individuals. It introduces a new provision allowing the governor, state police superintendent, county sheriff, or Salamanca city police chief to enter into law enforcement agreements with the Seneca Nation regarding criminal law enforcement within their federally-recognized lands. These agreements can define criminal offenses, penalties, deputization protocols, and extradition procedures, with state courts required to recognize and enforce such agreements. The bill also increases potential penalties for intruders, including possible confiscation of businesses or equipment, and extends the potential jail time for repeat offenders from 30 to 90 days. Importantly, the bill gives significant weight to tribal determinations about who constitutes an intruder, stating that a tribe's designation of an intruder shall be "dispositive of the matter."

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8127