Assigned to GOV                                                                                                                                          AS ENACTED

 

 

 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

FINAL REVISED

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1113

 

Indian nations; tribes; legislative day

(NOW:  Indian affairs; commission)

 

Purpose

 

Transfers the authority and responsibility for organization of the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day from the Arizona Legislature to the Arizona Commission of 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 of Indian Affairs.  It does not change the underlying purpose of the day.

 

There is no anticipated impact to the state general fund associated with this legislation

 

Provisions

 

Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day

 

1.      Transfers the authority and responsibility for organization of the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day from the Arizona Legislature to the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs and representatives from the State's Indian nations.

2.      Requires the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs, in cooperation with representatives from the State's Indian nations, to facilitate an annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day on Tuesday of the second week of each regular legislative session.

 

3.      Requires the Commission 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.

 

4.      Requires the Commission to schedule activities and discussions between the State, Indian nations and tribal leaders on issues in which the State, Indian nations and tribes share a common interest or jurisdiction. 

 

5.      Specifies that the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day is not a legal holiday.

 

Miscellaneous

 

6.      Requires the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs to assist urban Indians defined as an Indian who is a resident of this State, resides in a county with a population of more than 200,000 people and does not reside on an Indian reservation in the person's county.

 

7.      Establishes an Arizona Indian Town Hall fund consisting of monies collected or received at Indian Town Halls as fees that are intended to defray administrative costs related to the Indian Town Halls.

 

8.      Requires the Commission to deposit, in the fund, all administrative cost related fees collected from Indian Town Halls.

 

9.      Requires the Commission to report, annually, to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for its use of the monies in the fund.

 

10.  Allows the Commission to expend up to $15,000 from the fund each fiscal year.

 

11.  Provides for a general effective date.

 

Amendments Adopted by House of Representatives

 

·        The strike everything amendment was adopted.

 

House Action                                                                           Senate Action

 

NAA                4/22/02            DPA/SE           4-0-0-2                        Final Read        5/7/02          17-11-2-0

   (on rereferral)

3rd Read           4/29/02                                    36-20-4

 

Signed by Governor 5/9/02

Chapter 197

 

 

Prepared by Senate Staff

May 20, 2002