SB2031 Summary

• Creates new authority for Indian nations occupying reservations bordering more than four counties to form tribal health districts or public health departments under existing health district statutes.

• Amends definitions and governance provisions throughout Chapter 23-35 to include tribal health districts and tribal councils as governing bodies for public health units.

• Exempts tribal health districts from standard budget approval processes, levy limitations, and two-year operational requirements before dissolution (tribal councils may dissolve at any time).

• Requires the State Department of Health to report semiannually to legislative management during the 2013-14 interim on the tribal public health unit pilot project, including services, resources, expenditures, and sustainability.

• Appropriates $200,000 from the general fund and $300,000 from federal or other special funds to the State Department of Health for the 2013-2015 biennium to implement the tribal public health unit pilot project, contingent on dollar-for-dollar matching funds from federal sources or tribes.