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Bill would have Nebraska recognize tribal rulings

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will debate a bill this year that would require the state to recognize civil rulings made by American Indian tribal courts.

The measure by Senator Rick Kolowski was modeled after a state law in Iowa that recognizes tribal court rulings and allows the state to enforce them.

Kolowski says he introduced the bill after a constituent complained that officials were not recognizing a tribal court ruling in a custody case involving his son, a high school wrestler.

Judi M. Gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, says the proposal represents an important step in ensuring tribal courts are acknowledged by the state.

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