County may withdraw from hearing tribal cases, public meeting set
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POLSON — Lake County Commissioners will hold a public meeting about Public Law 280 at 10 a.m. Jan. 11 in room 211 of the Lake County Court house. The public will hear both sides of the financial issues surrounding the federal law that defines criminal jurisdiction of Tribal members within the reservation boundaries.
The county has processed criminal cases for tribal members since 1964 by a voluntary agreement made between the State of Montana and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Commissioners now have a Resolution of Intent to withdraw from Public Law 280 due to increased tribal cases, increased costs, lack of facilities, lack of tribal and state funding, and proposed costs associated with the implementation of Marcy’s Law, which the public voted for in November 2016.
The County Commissioners have also asked for assistance from the federal and state governments for the cost.
Commissioners are seeking written or emailed public comments. Send email comments to lakecommissioners@ lakemt. gov
The entire resolution can be read online at www.valleyjournal.net.
The public is encouraged to attend the meeting.
