In the April edition of the Last Chance Patriot newsletter, Linda Sauer offers a brief explanation of Public Law 280.
“Lake County, Montana, is home to most of the vast expanse of the Flathead Indian Reservation, and about 5000 enrolled CSKT tribal members are among its citizens. Public Law 280 was enacted by Congress in 1953, granting certain states criminal jurisdiction over tribal members on reservations; the law was mandatory in six states but was voluntary in Montana.
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The costs to Lake County for administering PL 280 have risen steadily over the years. A 2017 fiscal analysis conducted by the State of Montana estimated that the annual costs are over $4 million. In the 2023 legislative session, a bill was passed appropriating $5 million for each of the next two years to Lake County to cover the administration costs of PL 280. Governor Gianforte vetoed the bill, but the legislature could not overturn it. …”
Great article! Find the full article in the April LCP Newsletter.
Below is the letter from the Governor, referenced by Linda.