Bill > SB311

This bill aims to enhance legislative understanding of state-tribal relations by requiring the State Director of Indian Affairs to provide comprehensive information and training to legislators. The bill mandates that the director, in collaboration with the legislative services division and the state-tribal relations committee, make available training materials and resources covering Indian law, the history of federal Indian policy, and the legal rights of tribal members. These resources will include regularly updated tribal relations handbooks, information about training offered by the governor's office, links to Indian education resources, and other valuable materials. Additionally, the bill modifies existing law to push back the deadline for the governor's annual report to tribal governments from September to October and ensures that legislators are invited to participate in annual state agency training sessions about tribal issues. The bill reflects a commitment to improving communication, understanding, and collaboration between state legislators and tribal governments, with the goal of promoting better government-to-government relationships and awareness of tribal concerns. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and the secretary of state is required to send a copy of the act to each federally recognized tribal government in Montana.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0130