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Senate advances bill to restore optional tribal‑state relations training for legislators
Summary
Lawmakers heard hours of testimony on Senate Bill 311, which would direct Legislative Services to include optional tribal‑state relations training for legislators; proponents said it would reduce legal disputes and improve policymaking, while some senators urged narrowing the language to avoid perceived advocacy.
Senators heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 311 on the measure that would add “state‑tribal relations” to the optional training Legislative Services may provide to legislators.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Morgeau, said the change is simple and voluntary: it would require that legislative orientation materials include an option for training about Montana’s tribal nations, treaties and government‑to‑government relationships. “It’s just to build a really simple ensure this happens,” Morgeau said in his opening remarks, adding that attendance would be voluntary.
Supporters told the committee the training would give legislators baseline facts ahead of drafting and debate. Patrick Yawake, who testified on behalf of the Blackfeet Tribe, the Fort Belknap Indian Community and Rocky Boy, said SB 311 would provide “factual…
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