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Senate approves bill requiring state reporting on financial assistance to tribes
Summary
Senate Bill 303, sponsored by Senator Windiboy, requires designated state agencies to report financial assistance provided directly or indirectly to tribes and for the Office of Budget and Program Planning to compile and post a report. The bill passed 49–1.
The Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill to increase transparency around state financial assistance to tribal governments.
Senate Bill 303, carried by Senator Windiboy, requires designated state agencies to report financial assistance provided directly or indirectly to tribal entities and directs the Office of Budget and Program Planning to compile a consolidated report to be posted online and provided to the director of Indian affairs. Windiboy said the measure responds to repeated questions about how much the state gives to tribes and argued the bill fosters accountability and transparency without creating duplicative reporting burdens.
Senator Manzilla said the bill promotes transparency; supporters noted they had revisited post‑veto issues from a prior session and added amendments addressing concerns raised by the governor’s office. Windiboy said the language is intended to show “true numbers” and to make visible indirect costs and administrative shares that departments retain when federal funds flow through state agencies to local recipients.
The committee reported the bill do pass and the Senate approved it on second reading, 49 yeas to 1 nay. Sponsors said the bill creates a public, consolidated view of funds flowing to tribes and the services the state claims for administrative or indirect costs.
The bill will move forward for additional legislative consideration.
