Committee approves bill to codify representation for three state-recognized tribes

Representative Tamara Lim, presenting HB 725 (LC 441717), told the committee the measure "is relatively simple it aims to ensure that our states three state recognized american indian tribes" — the Cherokee of Georgia, the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee and the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe — have guaranteed representation on the Council of American Indian Concerns under the Department of Natural Resources.

Lim said the bill "codifies what is already common practice" to resolve disputes over who represents those tribes and to make sure communities have a seat at the table. A person identifying themself as a "citizen of the Cherokee Nation" asked whether the Eastern Cherokee group had federal recognition; Lim replied none of the three tribes have federal recognition, and that pursuing it can be a lengthy, political process. Representative Campbell confirmed the bill has "no fiscal impact."

During debate Representative Anderson moved a do-pass motion; the committee seconded and approved the measure by voice vote. Chair announced the bill passed. The committee did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript.