61^ST WYOMING LEGISLATURE

INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES

2012 INTERIM

SELECT COMMITTEE ON TRIBAL RELATIONS

Standard Budget: $12,500.00

Priority #: 1 Priority #: 1 General Responsibilities

Created by the Management Council, the Select Committee on Tribal Relations works with the Eastern Shoshone Indian Tribe, the Northern Arapaho Indian Tribe and various state agencies to address services and needs on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Committee addresses health and safety, water (including potable water to homes), education, transportation, gaming, communications, minerals, revenue, economic development and other issues that are a concern to the citizens on and near the Reservation.

Priority #: 2 Health

The Committee will review health care issues, including monitoring the status of the Riverton Community Health Center and receiving updates and information on medical education opportunities from the Shoshone and Arapaho Education Departments, the Rural Medical Education Program, Wind River Tribal College and Central Wyoming College. The committee should discuss the implementation of requested state budget cuts on health care programs provided to the two tribes. [Language Added by Management Council]

Priority #: 3 Family Services, Juveniles and Law Enforcement

The Committee will examine family services, juvenile issues and law enforcement issues. The examination will include authority of Tribal officers, a review of crime rates and the particular criminal justice needs on the Reservation.

Priority #: 3 Crime rate on Wind River Indian Reservation

The Committee plans to work in conjunction with the Judiciary Committee to address issues with respect to the high rate of crime on the Wind River Indian Reservation. [Modified by Management Council to mirror the Joint Judiciary interim committee study request.]

Priority #: 4 Water

The Committee will continue to monitor and analyze water issues. The Committee will receive information on procedures for filling reservoirs and on the effects of cloud seeding. The Committee will also receive an update on improvements in the management of the Wind River Irrigation Project by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Priority #: 5 Infrastructure

The Committee will receive information and updates on the development of public service systems and utility corridors. The review will include updates on broadband and natural gas facilities.

Priority #: 6 Tribal liaisons

The Committee will review opportunities for legislative involvement in interactions with the tribal liaisons and the Governor's office on issues affecting policy decisions.

Priority #: 7 Community updates

The Committee will receive updates and information on eagle feathers from the Raptor Center and on small business development from the Wind River Development Fund.

Priority #: 8 Tentative Meeting Schedule

The Committee typically schedules two meetings during the year. The Committee plans to meet in late May and early November. The Committee will coordinate its May meeting to allow a joint session with the federal Indian Law and Order Commission to discuss possible solutions for addressing high crime rates on the Reservation.