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Committee hears bill to define tribal consultation, agencies debate scope and fiscal impacts
Summary
Senate Bill 379 would put a statutory definition and guidance for tribal consultation and describe liaison duties. Sponsors and tribal representatives said it provides common guidance; some agencies raised fiscal‑note concerns about implementation scale.
Senator Susan Webber opened the committee hearing on Senate Bill 379 by describing the measure as a statutory definition of tribal consultation and guidelines for tribal liaisons.
Webber said the bill “finally” defines what tribal consultation is and provides guidelines rather than requiring new hires. Multiple tribal representatives testified in support, urging a uniform definition to improve government‑to‑government engagement. Patrick Yawake, representing Blackfeet, Fort Belknap and the Chippewa Cree tribes, told the committee the bill provides “policy guidelines for departments and agencies to utilize to work towards proper state tribal consultation” and…
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