ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
Establishes the Arizona Indian Town Hall fund and makes changes to the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs (ACIA) and the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day.
Background
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 to work together. The Commission promotes participation by Indians in state and local affairs and assists tribal groups to develop methods of self-government.
ACIA hosts an
annual Arizona Indian Town Hall for discussions between tribal, state, federal
and private representatives on issues of the Native American community. A
report is distributed to participants and other interested parties in the State
and is used to direct public policy discussions and guide possible legislation. Current law allows the Commission to accept
and spend fees collected at the annual Indian Town Hall to defray expenses
relating to this event that exceed the amount appropriated.
Provisions
1. Establishes the Arizona Indian Town Hall fund consisting of fees collected at Indian Town Halls to defray administrative costs related to these Town Halls.
2. Requires ACIA to annually report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee its use of the fund monies.
3. Allows ACIA to spend up to $15,000 each fiscal year.
4. Delays observance of the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day from Thursday of the first week to Tuesday of the second week of each regular legislative session.
5. Authorizes ACIA, the members of the House of Representatives Native American Affairs Committee and representatives from 21 nations or tribes to plan the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day.
6. Requires the planning committee to submit the final agenda to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives one month before the legislative day.
7. Requires the ACIA instead of the Legislature to schedule activities and invite participants to the legislative day.
8. Expands the scope of ACIA to include assisting urban Indians.
9. Contains a definition.
10. Makes conforming changes.
11. Provides for a general effective date.
House Action
Prepared by Senate Staff
April 22, 2002