Today's Law As Amended


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AB-968 California Indian tribes.(2011-2012)



As Amends the Law Today


SECTION 1.
 The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) California is home to many Native American tribes with which the State of California has an important relationship, as set forth and affirmed in state and federal law.
(b) The State of California recognizes and reaffirms the inherent right of these tribes to exercise sovereign authority over their members and territory.
(c) The state and the 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 tribes by identifying areas of mutual concern and working to develop partnerships and consensus.
(e) Members of tribes, as both citizens of California and their respective sovereign nations, have a shared interest in creating increased opportunities for all California citizens.

SEC. 2.

 Section 12012.2 is added to the Government Code, to read:

12012.2.
 (a) The position of Tribal Advisor is hereby established within the office of the Governor. The Governor shall appoint the Tribal Advisor who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
(b) The Tribal Advisor shall oversee and implement effective government-to-government consultation between the administration and tribes on policies that affect California tribal communities.
(c) The Tribal Advisor shall do all of the following:
(1) Serve as a direct link between the tribes and the Governor.
(2) Facilitate communication and consultations between the tribes, the office of the Governor, state agencies, and agency tribal liaisons.
(3) Review state legislation and regulations affecting tribes and make recommendations on these proposals.
(d) The Tribal Advisor shall facilitate regular meetings between the office of the Governor and the elected officials of California Indian tribes to discuss state policies that may affect tribal communities.
(e) Every state agency and department shall encourage communication and consultation with California Indian tribes. Every state agency and department shall permit elected officials and other representatives of tribal governments to provide meaningful input into the development of legislation, regulations, rules, and policies on matters that may affect tribal communities.
(f) For purposes of this section, the terms “tribes,” “California Indian tribes,” and “tribal” include all federally recognized tribes and other California Native Americans.