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Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes attorney briefs committee on Public Law 280 and Flathead Reservation
Summary
The committee received an update from Melissa Schlichting (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes) on Public Law 280 and its application to the Flathead Reservation; members asked about jurisdictional impacts and next steps.
An attorney for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes briefed the State‑Tribal Relations Committee on Public Law 280 and how the law affects jurisdiction on the Flathead Reservation.
Melissa Schlichting (Attorney, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes) provided the update and answered committee questions about jurisdictional authority, tribal and state responsibilities, and practical implications for local governance. Committee members, including Sen. Susan Webber and Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, asked follow‑up questions. Public commenters during this segment included Jade Bahr of the Montana Budget & Policy Center.
The minutes log notes Exhibit 5 as supporting material for the presentation. The presentation focused on legal and jurisdictional clarifications rather than proposed legislative action; committee members requested the exhibits and indicated they would review the materials for potential future follow‑up.
