Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to clarify the protocols for state government agencies in Minnesota regarding the training and consultation required when dealing with Minnesota Tribal governments. It is intended to ensure that agencies recognize, respect, and effectively collaborate with Tribal governments through structured training and consultation processes.

Main Provisions

• Recognition of Tribal Relationship: Agencies must acknowledge the unique legal relationship between Minnesota and its Tribal governments, treating them with the same respect as other governmental entities.

• Tribal Consultation Policies: Agencies are required to implement Tribal consultation policies in collaboration with Tribal governments and submit these policies to the governor and lieutenant governor. These policies should be updated at least every two years to ensure meaningful and timely consultation.

• Annual and As-needed Consultations: Agencies are mandated to consult with each Tribal government at least once a year and whenever necessary concerning issues affecting Tribal interests. This includes legislative and fiscal matters which agencies should discuss with Tribal governments to prioritize relevant issues.

• Incorporating Tribal Input: Agencies should consider the feedback from Tribal consultations in their decision-making processes to strive for mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Agency Liaisons and Training: Agencies must designate a Tribal liaison responsible for implementing consultation policies. These liaisons should regularly communicate with agency leadership. State-mandated Tribal relations training is also required for key personnel to foster collaboration with Tribal governments.

• Exceptions to Consultation Requirements: The obligation to consult does not apply in immediate threat situations affecting health, safety, or welfare, or in specific legal proceedings like criminal investigations.

Significant Changes

• Formalization of Training: The bill formalizes Tribal-state government relations training, which has been developed with the input of 11 Tribal Nations, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the University of Minnesota Sovereignty Institute. This training aims to establish a consistent foundation for all Tribal government relations.

• Designation of Tribal Liaisons: The bill newly mandates the appointment of Tribal liaisons within agencies to ensure there is a dedicated point of contact responsible for implementing the consultation policy and maintaining liaison roles.

Relevant Terms

Minnesota Tribal governments, Tribal consultation, legal relationship, Tribal liaison, Tribal-state relations training, formal consultation, mutually beneficial solutions, governmental entity respect, health and safety exceptions, legislative proposals.