TITLE: Relating to state collaboration with federally recognized Indian tribes.

SUMMARY: Relating to state collaboration with federally recognized Indian tribes.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to state collaboration with federally recognized Indian tribes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. This Act may be cited as the State-Tribal Collaboration Act. SECTION 2. Subtitle E, Title 4, Government Code, is amended by adding Chapter 471 to read as follows: CHAPTER 471. STATE COLLABORATION WITH INDIAN TRIBES Sec. 471.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "American Indian" means an individual who is: (A) a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe; or (B) eligible for federal services and programs provided to American Indians, including services and programs provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (2) "Indian tribe" or "tribe" means a federally recognized tribe, band, pueblo, or community of American Indians having a reservation located in this state. (3) "State agency" means an agency, department, office, or other entity in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of state government and includes an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code. Sec. 471.002. COLLABORATION WITH INDIAN TRIBES; AGENCY POLICY. (a) Each state agency shall collaborate with Indian tribes when developing and implementing agency policies, agreements, and programs that directly affect American Indians. (b) Each state agency whose policies, agreements, and programs directly affect American Indians shall: (1) promote effective communication and collaboration between the state agency and Indian tribes; (2) promote positive intergovernmental relations between the state and Indian tribes; and (3) promote cultural competency in effectively providing services to American Indians. Sec. 471.003. ANNUAL SUMMIT. Not later than the last day of the third quarter of each state fiscal year, the governor and the leaders of Indian tribes shall meet in a state-tribal summit to address issues of mutual concern. Sec. 471.004. RIGHT OF ACTION. Nothing in this chapter creates a right of action against a state agency or waives state or tribal immunity. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.