Bill > SB1407

This bill requires the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to consult and cooperate in good faith with all federally recognized Indian Tribes in Arizona before making decisions that could affect them, such as adopting policies, issuing permits, or granting approvals. ADEQ must develop a specific consultation policy for each of the twenty-two federally recognized tribes in the state, which will be created through direct consultation with tribal leaders and will outline the tribe's requirements for the consultation process, identify points of contact, and describe geographic areas where actions automatically require consultation. These policies must also include statements affirming ADEQ's commitment to respecting tribal sovereignty, engaging in a government-to-government relationship, recognizing the trust responsibility owed by the United States to tribes, ensuring meaningful and timely consultation throughout the decision-making process, considering tribal views and traditional knowledge, and mitigating adverse impacts. ADEQ must publish these policies on its website within ninety days of the bill's effective date and notify relevant state offices and tribes, and these policies must be updated every two years after consulting with the tribes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84961