SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6175

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections, January 30, 2012

Title: An act relating to establishing a government-to-government relationship between state government and federally recognized Indian tribes.

Brief Description: Establishing a government-to-government relationship between state government and federally recognized Indian tribes.

Sponsors: Senators Pridemore, Swecker, Prentice, Shin, Sheldon, Kline and Chase.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/17/12, 1/30/12 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Chase, Nelson and Roach.

Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)

Background: State governors have entered into agreements with federally-recognized Indian tribes to facilitate improved government-to-government relations. These agreements include:

Governor Gregoire, who took office in 2005, has reaffirmed these agreements.

The Governor's Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA) advises the Governor on matters involving tribes and serves as a liaison between the state and tribal governments.

Many state elected officials and agencies have designated officers to serve as tribal liaisons.

Summary of Bill: In establishing a government-to-government relationship with tribes, state elected officials and agencies must:

Tribal liaisons must:

At least annually, the Governor and other statewide elected officials must meet with tribal leaders to address issues of mutual concern.

The Governor must maintain a publicly-available, updated list of tribal liaisons and tribal leaders with contact information.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Principles in agreements between Governors and tribes regarding government-to-government relations should be established in statute. Tribes, which provide economic benefits to the people of the state, can work cooperatively with state agencies and local governments.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Steve Robinson, Tulalip Tribes, Umatilla Tribe; Ricky Gabriel, Colville Tribes.