A bill that seeks to impose state tobacco taxes on reservations has been sent to New York Gov. David Paterson (D).

Paterson has 10 days to sign or veto the legislation. If he does nothing, the bill will automatically become law.

Paterson asked lawmakers to hold the bill in order to negotiate with tribes. But other than a recent meeting with leaders from the Seneca Nation, it doesn't appear much has happened.

The Senecas want Paterson to veto the bill, citing treaties that they say protect their right to engage in commerce.

Get the Story:
Indian Tobacco Tax Bill on Governor Paterson's Desk (WGRZ 12/11)
Cigarette tax bill lands on governor’s desk (AP 12/11)
Paterson has 10 days to rule on Indian cigarette taxes (The Buffalo News 12/12)

Related Stories:
Seneca Nation worried about New York taxation push (12/9)
Anti-smoking groups back tribal tobacco bill (11/12)
Seneca Nation runs campaign against tobacco bill (11/11)
New York City seeks smokeshop injunction (10/29)
Editorial: Indian smokeshops and organized crime (10/27)
Editorial: New York City finds a new foe in tribes (10/10)
More than 30M cartons sold on New York reservations (10/2)
New York City mayor sues Indian smokeshops (9/30)
New York governor pressed on tribal tobacco bill (09/04)
Editorial: Negotiate tribal tobacco deal in New York (9/3)
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe opposes tobacco tax bill (8/26)
Seneca Nation lobbies governor on tobacco tax bill (8/14)
Seneca Nation opposes tobacco tax bill (8/12)