RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 102 (HB 660) 2018 Regular Session Magee
New law provides for the creation of the Native American Commission within the
Governor's Office of Indian Affairs (office) to serve in an advisory capacity to the office.
New law provides that the commission shall consist of members appointed by the following:
(1)Adai Caddo Indians of La.
(2)Bayou Lafourche Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw.
(3)Chitimacha Tribe of La.
(4)Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb.
(5)Clifton Choctaw Tribe of La.
(6)Coushatta Tribe of La.
(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)La. Band of Choctaw Indians.
(12)Natchitoches Tribe of La.
(13)Point au-Chien Tribe.
(14)Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of La.
(15)United Houma Nation.
New law further provides that the following members shall serve as ex officio members:
(1)The director of the office.
(2)The secretary of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs or his designee.
(3)The state archeologist or his designee.
New law authorizes the commission to add recognized tribes to its membership as tribes are
granted recognition.
New law provides that the commission shall do the following:
(1)Advise the office 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.
(3)Make recommendations to the office 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
and legislature for adoption and implementation. (5)Review applications for the office scholarship and recommend scholarship awardees
to the office.
(6)Promote Native American culture, awareness, and education across the state.
(7)Promote Native American Heritage Month in La.
(8)Review all state 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.
New law authorizes the commission to request consultation or information from any state
agency serving Native Americans. The agency shall give priority to the request and shall
provide the assistance as requested. Requires the commission to maintain the confidentiality
of any information provided as required by laws relative to such information.
New law requires the office to assist as needed in providing staff report for the council.
New 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.
New law requires the commission to annually issue a report of its findings and
recommendations to the governor and legislature.
Effective August 1, 2018.
(Adds R.S. 46:2305)