House of Representatives

HB 2632

Arizona commission of Indian affairs

Sponsors: Representatives Laughter, Clark, Senators Jackson, Petersen et al

DPA	Committee on Native American Affairs
DPA	Committee on Appropriations
dpa	Caucus and COW
dpa	Third Read
x	As Passed the House

HB 2632 establishes the Arizona Indian Town Hall Fund and amends statutes relating to the Arizona Commission on Indian Affairs (ACIA) and the Indian nations and tribes legislative day.

History

ACIA was created in 1953 to examine conditions among Indians living within the state. The Commission is charged with assembling information needed by tribal, state and federal agencies in order to work together effectively, assisting the state in its responsibilities to tribes and working for a greater understanding between Indians and non-Indians. The Commission also promotes increased participation by Indians in state and local affairs, and assists tribal groups to develop increasingly effective methods of self- government.

ACIA hosts an annual Arizona Indian Town Hall to facilitate discussions between tribal, state, federal and private representatives on issues vital to the Native American community. The Town Hall takes place over a two-day period in May. The first day begins with a general session to provide an overview of the Town Hall process after which participants are assigned to one of four panels. On the second day the panels meet, discuss the prearranged topic and draft reports. In one final session, all four panels meet to discuss their reports and draft a finalized report reflective of the group consensus. The final report is distributed to participants and other interested parties in the state. The report is used in post Town Hall meetings and legislative process workshops in order to direct public policy discussions and guide possible legislation. Current Law enables the Commission to accept and spend fees collected at the annual Indian Town Hall in order to defray expenses relating to this event that exceed the amount appropriated. Establishing an Arizona Indian Town Hall Fund will allow for accounting of the use of the monies in the fund to the Department of Administration.

Provisions

· Establishes the Arizona Indian Town Hall Fund consisting of monies collected at Indian Town Halls as fees that are intended to defray administrative costs related to these Town Halls.

· States that ACIA shall deposit all fees collected from these activities in this fund and shall annually report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for its use of the monies in the fund.

· Allows ACIA to spend up to $15,000 each fiscal year without an appropriation.

· Provides that the legislature shall observe the Indian nations and tribes legislative day during the Tuesday of the second week of each regular legislative session.

· Authorizes ACIA, in cooperation with the members of the House of Representatives Native American Affairs Committee and one representative from each of the 21 nations or tribes, to plan the Indian nations and tribes legislative day.

· Stipulates that the agenda for the Indian nations and tribes legislative day shall be agreed on by a majority vote of the planning committee and the final agenda shall be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives one month before the Indian nations and tribes legislative day.

· Authorizes ACIA to schedule activities and to invite Native American leaders and other elected officials to the Indian nations and tribes legislative day.

· Adds to the duties of ACIA to include assisting urban Indians.

· Defines urban Indians.

· Makes conforming changes.

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· 45th Legislature

· Second Regular Session 3 April 10, 2002

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