Criminal Justice (Tribal Nations)

HB 301 authorizes the Southeastern Mvskoke Nation (a tribe recognized by Alabama) to hire its own certified police officers to protect tribal property, employees, and residents. The bill specifies these officers can arrest individuals for trespassing, disorderly conduct, or other offenses committed on tribal land without a warrant, and handle felony arrests under defined conditions. Crucially, the tribe must fund these officers entirely with its own resources - no state or local law enforcement funds may be used. The officers’ authority is strictly limited to tribal land, except when pursuing offenders or making felony arrests related to the reservation.