An Act granting Indian tribes access to the Massachusetts courts

HD 295 allows federally recognized Indian tribes in Massachusetts to have non-lawyer tribal representatives appear in state courts on behalf of the tribe itself. The bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify that such tribal representatives do not violate statutes prohibiting unauthorized practice of law (M.G.L. c. 221, §§ 41 and 46A), provided they submit a court affidavit stating they are not licensed attorneys. This access applies only to tribal matters, not to individual tribe members representing themselves. The law ensures tribal representatives can advocate for their tribe within the legal system while maintaining clear boundaries against misrepresenting legal qualifications.