DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 660 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session Magee
Abstract: Provides for the creation of the Native American Commission within the Governor's
Office of Indian Affairs.
Proposed law provides for the creation of the Native American Commission within the Governor's
Office of Indian Affairs. Provides that the commission shall serve in an advisory capacity to the
Governor's Office of Indian Affairs.
Proposed law provides that the commission shall consist of members appointed by the following:
(1)Adai Caddo Indians of Louisiana.
(2)Bayou Lafourche Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw.
(3)Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana.
(4)Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb.
(5)Clifton Choctaw Tribe of Louisiana.
(6)Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.
(7)Four-Winds Cherokee Tribe.
(8)Grand Caillou/Dulac Band.
(9)Isle de Jean Charles Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Tribe.
(10)Jena Band of Choctaw Indians.
(11)Louisiana Band of Choctaw Indians.
(12)Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana.
(13)Point au-Chien Tribe.
(14)Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. (15)United Houma Nation.
Proposed law further provides that the following members shall serve as ex officio members:
(1)The director of the Office of Indian Affairs.
(2)The secretary of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs or designee.
(3)The state archeologist or his designee.
Proposed law provides that the commission may add state recognized tribes and federally recognized
tribes to its membership as tribes are officially granted state or federal recognition.
Proposed law provides that the commission shall do the following:
(1)Advise the Office of Indian Affairs regarding issues pertaining to Native Americans.
(2)Identify the needs and concerns of Native Americans in La. by bringing such needs and
concerns to the attention of the Office of Indian Affairs.
(3)Make recommendations to the Office of Indian Affairs to address the needs and concerns of
Native Americans in La.
(4)Establish criteria for state tribe recognition and recommend such criteria to the Office of
Indian Affairs and legislature for adoption and implementation.
(5)Review applications for the Office of Indian Affairs Scholarship and recommend scholarship
awardees to the Office of Indian Affairs.
(6)Promote Native American culture, awareness, and education across the state.
(7)Promote Native American Heritage Month in La.
(8)Conduct a comprehensive review of all state departments and agencies to identify obstacles
to the effective delivery of governmental services to Native Americans, propose methods for
removing those obstacles, and submit such proposals to the appropriate governmental entity.
Proposed law provides that members are appointed for four-year terms.
Proposed law provides that the commission shall elect a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary
from its membership. All officers shall serve for two years. The commission shall create its own
bylaws. The commission shall meet at least once every quarter, and may meet more often as
determined by the chairman.
Proposed law provides that commission members shall not receive compensation except for those travel-related expenses already provided for by their agency.
Proposed law authorizes the commission to request consultation or information, or both, from any
state department or agency serving Native Americans. The department or agency shall give priority
to the request and shall provide the data or assistance as requested. Requires the commission to
maintain the confidentiality of any information or records provided as required by laws relative to
such information and records.
Proposed law requires the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs to assist as needed in providing staff
report for the council.
Proposed law provides that legislation may be recommended by the commission to the Governor's
Office of Indian Affairs only upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the commission members present.
Further prohibits the commission from recommending legislation that would impair ownership
interests in any immovable property or any mineral rights associated therewith.
Proposed law requires the commission to annually issue a report of its findings and
recommendations to the governor and legislature.
(Adds R.S. 46:2305)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the original bill:
1. Add provision that prohibits the commission from recommending legislation that would
impair ownership interests in any immovable property or any mineral rights associated
therewith.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Add prohibition on voting by proxy.