FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The Hopi will be one of the earliest tribes to increase criminal sentences under a landmark federal law meant to improve public safety on American Indian reservations — where a historic gap in the U.S. justice system has left tribes with little authority over offenders on their lands.

The Hopi tribe recently updated its criminal code for the first time since 1972 with changes that comply with provisions of the Tribal Law and Order Act passed two years ago. Regardless of whether the crime was murder or something far less severe, all were considered misdemeanors with a maximum punishment in tribal court of a year in jail.