An Act providing for indigenous representation on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr

Replaces a governor-appointed MVC seat with a Wampanoag Aquinnah representative, appointed by the tribe, ensuring Indigenous voice in Martha’s Vineyard planning.

Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session

Executive overview

S. 1431 seeks to ensure Indigenous representation on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC), a regional planning agency for Martha’s Vineyard. The bill replaces the current appointment mechanism for one MVC member who is part of the governor’s cabinet with a representative from the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, appointed by the Indian tribal government. It also alters a sentence in the same section. The aim is to formalize a tribal voice in MVC decisions and planning affecting the island.

What the bill would do (Key provisions)

Section 1: Amends the second paragraph of section 2 of chapter 831 of the acts of 1977. Replaces the current provision that "one member of the cabinet, or his designee, appointed by the governor" serves on the MVC with: “1 representative of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, appointed by the Indian tribal government.”

Section 2: Amends the fifth paragraph of the same section by striking out the third sentence in that paragraph.

Overall effect: The MVC would include a dedicated Indigenous representation slot sourced from the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, with appointment authority vested in the tribal government rather than the governor.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiary: The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, which would gain formal representation on the MVC.

Secondary beneficiaries: The Martha’s Vineyard Commission and the communities on Martha’s Vineyard, which would incorporate Indigenous perspectives into regional land use planning and governance decisions.

Governmental actors: The Governor’s office would have a reduced role in determining an MVC member for this seat; the tribal government would assume appointment authority for the designated representative.

Procedural history and timeline

Introduced: April 10, 2025 (Senate, No. 1431) by Sen. Julian Cyr.

Early actions: Referred to the appropriate committees (initially to Municipalities and Regional Government; later listed as referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; typical workflow for a Senate bill).

Hearing: Scheduled for May 13, 2025 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, location B-1).

Committee action: June 18, 2025 – Committee reported favorably and referred to the Senate Rules Committee.

Related action: The bill references similar matter previously filed in a prior session (Senate No. 465 of 2023-2024) and notes a related SD 251 replacement.

Cross-jurisdiction note: House concurrence indicated in the legislative record; ongoing status in the Senate as of the latest actions.

Legislative context and implications

The bill aligns with efforts to increase Indigenous participation in state and regional governance structures.

No explicit fiscal appropriations are listed; changes are administrative/appointments-related.

The substantive change complements existing MVC authority by ensuring Indigenous governance voices are represented in regional planning.

Additional context

The bill’s language is specific to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah and would require coordination with the tribe’s sovereign government for appointment.

The measure is part of a broader pattern of recognizing Indigenous representation in state and local planning bodies.

If you’d like, I can convert this into a one-page briefing for stakeholders or compare S. 1431 to the prior related bill (S. 465 from 2023-2024).

Bill