By: González, Farrar, White of Tyler, Blanco H.B. No. 63
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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" means a federally recognized tribe,
band, pueblo, or community of American Indians located wholly or
partially 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. ANNUAL MEETING. Not later than the last day
of the third quarter of each state fiscal year, the office of the
governor and the leaders of Indian tribes shall meet to address
issues of mutual concern. An employee of the governor's office, a
member of the legislature, or an employee of an appropriate state
agency may attend the meeting.
Sec. 471.003. 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. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.