HB 13-1198 Summary

• Expands the legislative declaration to recognize Colorado's interest in cooperative relationships with Indian tribes and Indian peoples, not just tribal affairs.

• Restructures the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs to consist of eleven voting members: the lieutenant governor, four state department executive directors, two representatives each from Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes, and two at-large members selected triennially.

• Allows the governor to appoint ex officio nonvoting members from federal, state, or local government agencies and nonvoting advisory members from nongovernmental entities addressing tribal and Indian issues.

• Reorganizes commission duties into two categories, with former duties (1)(g)-(k) converted to commission powers (2)(a)-(f), clarifying the agency's authority to petition for funds, accept gifts and grants, contract with public or private entities, and form committees.

• Changes the title of the executive secretary to executive director, requires the director to be an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, and modifies procedural rules for meetings, quorum requirements, and record-keeping.