An Act To Bring Parity To The State'S Recognition Of The Wabanaki Nations' Authority To Provide Electric Power Districts And Child Support Enforcement

This bill (LD 1900) gives the Penobscot Nation and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians authority to enforce child support orders issued by their tribal courts. It requires these tribes to notify individuals who owe child support and are not complying with tribal orders. If the person doesn’t request a tribal court hearing within 20 days, the tribe can refer them to Maine’s licensing boards (like those for professionals or businesses), which must then revoke or deny licenses until the person proves they’re compliant with the tribal support order. The bill directly affects tribal members who owe child support and the state licensing boards that oversee professional licenses.