AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RECOGNITION OF NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES

SB 2509 establishes a formal process for Native American tribes to seek state recognition by submitting a petition to the state legislature. To qualify, tribes must provide specific documentation proving historical continuity as a distinct group, current community presence, ongoing tribal governance, membership criteria, membership lists, and confirmation they are not affected by federal termination policies (per HCR 108). The bill does not grant automatic recognition but creates a structured petition pathway, with the legislature retaining authority to impose restrictions on gaming, land use, and tax-free ventures for recognized tribes. This procedural bill directly affects tribes seeking state acknowledgment and outlines clear, evidence-based requirements for their application.