ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
REVISED
Indian nations; tribes;
legislative day
Purpose
Transfers the authority and
responsibility for organization of the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative
Day from the Arizona Legislature to the Arizona Commission on Indian Affairs
and representatives from the State's Indian nations.
Background
Current statute requires the Legislature to observe the first Thursday of each regular legislative session as Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day. Each year the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives announce the observation of Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day and recommend that it be observed in recognition and appreciation of contributions made by American Indians to the prosperity and cultural diversity of the United States.
On each Indian Nations and
Tribes Legislative Day the Legislature assembles in joint session with leaders
of Indian nations and tribes, the Governor and other elected officials. The
Legislature is responsible for scheduling activities and discussions between
State, Indian nations and tribal leaders on major issues. In the past, issues
like taxation and health care have been discussed. Additionally, the Legislature makes time available for Indian
nations and tribal leaders or members to meet individually with their
respective legislators to discuss legislation affecting American Indian communities.
Outside the scope of the Legislature, on Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative
Day public schools are encouraged to have students study Indian nations and
tribes.
This legislation transfers
the authority of the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day from the
Legislature to the Arizona Commission on Indian Affairs. It does not change the underlying purpose of
the day.
There is no impact to the
state general fund associated with this legislation
Provisions
1. Requires the Arizona Commission on Indian Affairs (ACIA), in cooperation with representatives from the State's Indian nations, to facilitate an annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day on the first Thursday of each regular legislative session.
2. Requires ACIA to invite the Legislature, Governor and other elected officials to pay tribute to the history and culture of the American Indian peoples and their contributions to the prosperity and cultural diversity of the United States.
3. Requires ACIA to schedule activities and discussions between the State, Indian nations and tribal leaders on issues in which all involved parties share a common interest.
4. Specifies that the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day is not a legal holiday.
5. Repeals legislative authority for organization of the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day.
6. Provides for a general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
·
Specifies
that the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day is to be held on the first
Thursday of each regular legislative session.
Senate Action
GOV 3/15/02 DPA 4-2-0-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
March 18, 2002