The Associated Press, Augusta Maine -- All Maine communities and natural landmarks containing the word "squaw" -- a term considered offensive to women and Indians -- will be renamed under a bill signed Monday by Gov. Angus King. A commission will recommend new names, which are expected to be put into use next year. "It's not just an issue of being politically correct," said Tony Sprague, a spokesman for the governor. "This is a term that is offensive to them, and it shouldn't be used in public places." Minnesota and Montana have adopted similar laws. In Colorado, even the endangered squawfish was renamed the Colorado pike-minnow. The Maine law affects about two dozen mountains, waterways, and other featrures, such as Big Squaw and Little Squaw townships. Priviate entities aren't affected. Members of the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac and Maliseet tribes were present as King Signed the bill. Rep. Donna Loring, the Penobscot Nation's representative, said the bill's approval showed that tribal-state relations are improving.