House Bill Analysis

ESSCR 8422

Brief Description:  Creating a committee to improve tribal relations.

Sponsor:  Senators Sheldon and Swecker.

Brief Summary

CCreates the Joint Select Committee on Legislative/Tribal Relations.

House State Government Committee

Staff:  Jim Morishima  (786-7191).

Background:

There are twenty-eight federally recognized Native American tribes located within Washington, with a combined population of approximately 91,000 people.  Native American tribes are sovereigns and are governed by a variety of legal authorities including the tribes' own sovereignty, treaty, and federal law. 

Summary:

The Joint Select Committee on Legislative/Tribal Relations is created.  The committee must review, study, and recommend how the Legislature and tribes may develop more effective relationships and arrange for intergovernmental mechanisms in order to be able to work together on common interests and problems, such as court jurisdiction, human services, gaming, tax and revenue, historic preservation, and environmental issues.  The committee must also study of how other state legislatures and tribal governments handle their intergovernmental relationships.

The committee must consist of twelve members, four members from the Senate, four members from the House, and four members from the tribes.  The Governor may appoint an ad hoc member to represent the executive branch.

The committee must submit its report to the Legislature no later than December 1, 2000.  The committee terminates on December 15, 2000.

Rule Making Authority: No express authority.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is enacted.