California Assembly Bill AB2092 Amended / Bill

 BILL NUMBER: AB 2092AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 10, 2012 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 24, 2012 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Chesbro FEBRUARY 23, 2012 An act to amend Section 11019.8 of the Government Code, relating to economic development. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 2092, as amended, Chesbro. Economic development: federally recognized Indian tribes. Existing law encourages and authorizes all state agencies to cooperate with federally recognized California Indian tribes on matters of economic development and improvement for the Indian tribes. Existing law provides that cooperation by state agencies with federally recognized California Indian tribes on those matters may include certain activities, but it may not include activities that promote gambling. This  bill would, instead, require that state agencies cooperate with federally recognized California Indian tribes on matters of economic development and improvement for the Indian tribes. This  bill would, instead, provide that cooperation  and consultation  by state agencies  on economic development and improvement for   with  federally recognized California Indian tribes shall not be construed to include activities that  are solely related to gaming   promote gambling  .  This bill would require every state agency, on or before January 1, 2014, to adopt a policy to consult with federally recognized Indian tribes prior to the development of regulations, policies, rules, plans, or other actions that will significantly or uniquely affect that tribal community.  Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) California is home to many federally recognized Indian tribes with which the State of California has an important relationship, as set forth and affirmed in state and federal laws. (b) The State of California recognizes and reaffirms the inherent right of these Indian tribes to exercise sovereign authority over their members and their territory. (c) The state and the Indian tribes are better able to adopt and implement mutually beneficial policies when they cooperate and engage in meaningful consultation. (d) The state is committed to strengthening and sustaining effective government-to-government relationships between the state and the Indian tribes by identifying areas of mutual concern and working to develop partnerships and consensus.  SEC. 2.   Section 11019.8 of the Government Code is amended to read: 11019.8. (a) All state agencies, as defined in Section 11000, shall cooperate with federally recognized California Indian tribes on matters of economic development and improvement for the Indian tribes. (b) Cooperation by state agencies with federally recognized California Indian tribes may include, but need not be limited to, all of the following: (1) Providing information on programs available to assist Indian tribes. (2) Providing technical assistance on the preparation of grants and applications for public and private funds, and conducting meetings and workshops. (3) Any other steps that may reasonably be expected to assist Indian tribes to become economically self-sufficient. (c) Cooperation by state agencies on economic development and improvement for federally recognized California Indian tribes shall not be construed to include activities that are solely related to gaming.   SEC. 2.   Section 11019.8 of the   Government Code   is amended to read:  11019.8. (a)  (1)     Every state agency shall, on or before January 1, 2014, adopt a policy to consult with federally recognized California Indian tribes prior to the development of regulations, policies,   rules, plans, or other actions that will significantly or uniquely affect that tribal community. The tribal consultation policies shall emphasize meaningful communication and collaboration with affected tribes. Consultation shall be conducted on a government-to-government basis.   (2) This subdivision is not intended to create, and shall not create, any rights or benefits, whether substantive or procedural, or enforceable at law or in equity, against the state or its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other persons.   (b)    All state agencies, as defined in Section 11000, are encouraged and authorized to cooperate with federally recognized California Indian tribes on matters of economic development and improvement for the tribes.  (b)   (c)  Cooperation by state agencies with federally recognized California Indian tribes may include, but need not be limited to, all of the following: (1) Providing information on programs available to assist Indian tribes. (2) Providing technical assistance on the preparation of grants and applications for public and private funds, and conducting meetings and workshops. (3) Any other steps that may reasonably be expected to assist tribes to become economically self-sufficient.  (c)   (d)  Cooperation  and consultation  by state agencies  on economic development and improvement for   with  federally recognized California Indian tribes, as described in this section, shall not be construed to include activities that promote gambling.