§ 35-A §3916 — Tribal power districts

1.
Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings.
2.
Construction and application.
This section must be construed to provide the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi'kmaq Nation, the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe the opportunity to acquire, develop, finance and provide electric power within their respective trust lands and Indian territories to allow them to develop a sustainable local economy. The rights applicable to municipal power districts as provided in this chapter apply to any tribal power district of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi'kmaq Nation, the Penobscot Nation or the Passamaquoddy Tribe.
3.
Tribal power districts.
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi'kmaq Nation, the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe may form power districts pursuant to this chapter, referred to in this section as "tribal power districts." A tribal power district formed by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi'kmaq Nation, the Penobscot Nation or the Passamaquoddy Tribe may consist of all or part of the Houlton Band Trust Land, the Mi'kmaq Nation Trust Land, the Penobscot Indian territory or the Passamaquoddy Indian territory, respectively. For the purpose of forming a tribal power district, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi'kmaq Nation, the Penobscot Nation or the Passamaquoddy Tribe shall designate appropriate tribal officers and proceedings in place of municipal officers and proceedings to implement the provisions of this chapter and any other laws referenced in this chapter.

Legislative History

PL 2007, c. 189, §1 (NEW). PL 2025, c. 303, §2 (AMD).