A county in Nebraska that has claimed jurisdiction over tribal lands is asking the state to pay for the costs of reservation law enforcement.

Thurston County is home to the Omaha Tribe and the Winnebago Tribe. Native Americans make up more than 50 percent of the population.

County officials say they don't have enough money to patrol tribal lands. They are asking the state for $200,000 a year under Legislative Bill 380, which is up for hearing today.

Tribal members will testify against the bill, said Darren Wolfe, a member of the Omaha Tribe who serves on the county board. But other county officials and residents support it, said Teri Lamplot, another board member.

The county claims that the Omaha Reservation has been diminished and has asserted jurisdiction over parts of the reservation.

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Thurston County seeks state help on police costs (The Omaha World-Herald 3/25)