Legislation would allow tribes to collect state taxes

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Legislation filed by Republican and Democratic leaders sets the framework for American Indian tribes in North Dakota to levy alcohol, tobacco and state sales taxes on their reservations and spend it for tribal services.

But the legislation filed this week would not exempt casinos from a state sales tax that tribal leaders have long argued is unworkable.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe member Ron His Horse is Thunder said Wednesday that the tribe would likely only support the legislation if casinos are exempt from the state's 5 percent sales tax.

"It's a tribal council question and only they can truly answer it," said His Horse is Thunder, a lawyer and former tribal chairman.