85R3506 JCG-F
By: RodrÃguez S.B. No. 835
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) "Indian tribe" means a federally recognized tribe,
band, pueblo, or community, located wholly or partially in this
state, whose members are eligible for funding and services from the
United States Bureau of Indian Affairs.
(2) "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 governor shall
meet with leaders of Indian tribes to address issues of mutual
concern. If the governor is unable to attend the meeting, the
governor may designate an employee of the governor's office, a
member of the legislature, or an employee of an appropriate state
agency to attend the meeting.
Sec. 471.003. NO CAUSE OF ACTION OR WAIVER OF IMMUNITY.
Nothing in this chapter creates a cause 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, 2017.