Committee hears bill to provide optional tribal law training and resources for Montana legislators

Sen. Shane Morigeau opened the hearing on Senate Bill 311, which would require the committee to work with the State-Tribal Relations director and staff to provide optional training and resources on federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and government-to-government relationships for legislators.

Proponents included Patch Kawaki (representing Blackfeet interests, Fort Belknap and Chippewa Cree communities), Keaton Sunchild of Western Native Voice, Imani Kindness Coleman of the Montana Budget and Policy Center, and Shannon James of the Montana Environmental Information Center. They told the committee that optional, substantive training would help legislators understand treaties, tribal government structures, and policy implications, improving the quality of debate and reducing costly legal disputes.

Angie Carter, financial director for the legislative branch, explained that an earlier version of the bill carried a fiscal note when legislative services would have been required to administer training; the amendment moved responsibility to the governor's office and reduced or removed that fiscal impact. Committee members pressed staff on the fiscal note differences and how future trainings would be coordinated. Sen. Morigeau said the bill is optional, aims to update handbooks, and ensures the State-Tribal Relations director coordinates with committee staff and the governor's office.

Advocates argued Montana's tribal nations are a significant portion of the state's population and that better background knowledge is critical to effective policymaking. The hearing closed with the sponsor asking for a due pass and staff confirming follow-up on fiscal details.