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Tribal delegation petitions Senate for consultation on bills affecting reservations; SB71 to get hearing
Summary
A broad tribal delegation delivered petitions and urged the Senate to consult tribes about legislation affecting reservations and to schedule hearings; the Senate rules committee was asked to hold open public testimony on Senate Bill 71.
A delegation of tribal leaders visited the Utah State Senate to present petitions and press lawmakers to include tribal input when the Legislature considers bills that affect reservations and Indian communities.
Luke Duncan, speaking for the group, said tribes want early consultation during drafting. "We want to have a voice," he said, asking senators to schedule hearings and involve tribal governments before bills reach a final form. Testimony from tribal representatives cited immediate community needs — running water, electricity and decent housing — and urged lawmakers to consider such conditions when drafting legislation.
Senator Peterson (presiding) responded that Senate Bill 71 would be scheduled for committee consideration and that the rules committee would take open public testimony; the Senate invited tribal representatives to appear at that hearing and provide detailed input and documentation, including fiscal notes.
Tribal leaders also requested that funding proposals include provisions to enable tribal participation (for example, matching funds for veteran programs) and asked for continued consultation through the session. Senators acknowledged past participation by tribes on a union affairs task force and described ongoing efforts to work on amendments responsive to tribal concerns.
The Senate indicated it will accept the petitions and directed staff to coordinate scheduling and fiscal review before the committee hearing for SB71.
